H125 vs MD 500E
The H125 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H125 (introduced 2015) beside the MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the H125 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H125 vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The H125 delivers 44% more range (H125: 335 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The MD 500E delivers 3% more cruise speed (H125: 130 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The H125 delivers 20% more passenger capacity (H125: 6 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The H125 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 33 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H125 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (4,960 lbs versus 3,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the H125 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the H125 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The MD 500E can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
H125 vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H125 or the MD 500E?
The H125 has the longer published range — 335 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the H125 or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The H125 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the H125 or the MD 500E?
The MD 500E cruises faster, at 134 kt versus 130 kt for the H125.
Which is newer, the H125 or the MD 500E?
The H125 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the H125 or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H125 is the larger aircraft — 4,960 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the H125 or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the H125 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The MD 500E can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the H125 vs MD 500E?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.