H135 vs 505 Jet Ranger X
The H135 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) 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 H135 carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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H135 vs 505 Jet Ranger X: the key differences
- The 505 Jet Ranger X delivers 5% more range (H135: 343 nm; 505 Jet Ranger X: 360 nm).
- The H135 delivers 10% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; 505 Jet Ranger X: 125 kt).
- The H135 delivers 40% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; 505 Jet Ranger X: 5 seats).
- The 505 Jet Ranger X is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 20 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H135 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,415 lbs versus 3,609 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H135 runs 2 engines against 1 on the 505 Jet Ranger X — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
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 H135 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 H135 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H135 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.
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H135 vs 505 Jet Ranger X: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The 505 Jet Ranger X has the longer published range — 360 nm versus 343 nm for the H135.
Does the H135 or 505 Jet Ranger X seat more passengers?
The H135 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Which is faster, the H135 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 125 kt for the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Which is newer, the H135 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The 505 Jet Ranger X is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H135 or the 505 Jet Ranger X the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 3,609 lbs for the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Should I buy the H135 or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
Choose the 505 Jet Ranger X when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H135 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H135 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 H135 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.