H225 Super Puma vs MD 500E
The H225 Super Puma leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H225 Super Puma (introduced 2004) against the MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) 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 H225 Super Puma carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H225 Super Puma vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 133% more range (H225 Super Puma: 540 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 6% more cruise speed (H225 Super Puma: 142 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 280% more passenger capacity (H225 Super Puma: 19 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The H225 Super Puma is the newer design (introduced 2004 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 22 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (24,251 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 H225 Super Puma 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 H225 Super Puma 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 H225 Super Puma 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.
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H225 Super Puma vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H225 Super Puma or the MD 500E?
The H225 Super Puma has the longer published range — 540 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the H225 Super Puma or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The H225 Super Puma carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the H225 Super Puma or the MD 500E?
The H225 Super Puma cruises faster, at 142 kt versus 134 kt for the MD 500E.
Which is newer, the H225 Super Puma or the MD 500E?
The H225 Super Puma is the newer design, introduced in 2004 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the H225 Super Puma or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft — 24,251 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the H225 Super Puma or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the H225 Super Puma 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 H225 Super Puma 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.