H130 vs 505 Jet Ranger X
The H130 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) against the Bell Textron 505 Jet Ranger X (introduced 2016) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H130 carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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H130 vs 505 Jet Ranger X: the key differences
- The 505 Jet Ranger X delivers 7% more range (H130: 335 nm; 505 Jet Ranger X: 360 nm).
- The H130 delivers 4% more cruise speed (H130: 130 kt; 505 Jet Ranger X: 125 kt).
- The H130 delivers 60% more passenger capacity (H130: 8 seats; 505 Jet Ranger X: 5 seats).
- The 505 Jet Ranger X is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2012 for the H130), a gap of 4 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 3,609 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?
Choose the 505 Jet Ranger X when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H130 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
H130 vs 505 Jet Ranger X: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H130 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The 505 Jet Ranger X has the longer published range — 360 nm versus 335 nm for the H130.
Does the H130 or 505 Jet Ranger X seat more passengers?
The H130 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 5 on the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Which is faster, the H130 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The H130 cruises faster, at 130 kt versus 125 kt for the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Which is newer, the H130 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The 505 Jet Ranger X is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2012 for the H130.
Is the H130 or the 505 Jet Ranger X the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H130 is the larger aircraft — 5,070 lbs versus 3,609 lbs for the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Should I buy the H130 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
Choose the 505 Jet Ranger X when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H130 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the H130 vs 505 Jet Ranger X?
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.