H135 vs MD 500E
The H135 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) 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 H135 has the advantage. undefined
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H135 vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The H135 delivers 48% more range (H135: 343 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The H135 delivers 2% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The H135 delivers 40% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The H135 is the newer design (introduced 1996 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 14 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 3,000 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 MD 500E — 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?
On published specifications the H135 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.
H135 vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the MD 500E?
The H135 has the longer published range — 343 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the H135 or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The H135 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the H135 or the MD 500E?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 134 kt for the MD 500E.
Which is newer, the H135 or the MD 500E?
The H135 is the newer design, introduced in 1996 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the H135 or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the H135 or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the H135 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 H135 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.