H130 vs 206L-4 LongRanger
The H130 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) beside the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H130 carries more passengers. 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.
H130 vs 206L-4 LongRanger: the key differences
- The H130 delivers 3% more range (H130: 335 nm; 206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm).
- The H130 delivers 18% more cruise speed (H130: 130 kt; 206L-4 LongRanger: 110 kt).
- The H130 delivers 14% more passenger capacity (H130: 8 seats; 206L-4 LongRanger: 7 seats).
- The H130 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger), a gap of 20 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H130 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,070 lbs versus 4,450 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 H130 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 H130 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 206L-4 LongRanger 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.
More comparisons
H130 vs 206L-4 LongRanger: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H130 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H130 has the longer published range — 335 nm versus 324 nm for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Does the H130 or 206L-4 LongRanger seat more passengers?
The H130 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is faster, the H130 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H130 cruises faster, at 130 kt versus 110 kt for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is newer, the H130 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H130 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Is the H130 or the 206L-4 LongRanger the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H130 is the larger aircraft — 5,070 lbs versus 4,450 lbs for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Should I buy the H130 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
On published specifications the H130 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 206L-4 LongRanger 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 H130 vs 206L-4 LongRanger?
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.