206L-4 LongRanger vs 505 Jet Ranger X
The 505 Jet Ranger X leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) beside the Bell Textron 505 Jet Ranger X (introduced 2016) 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 206L-4 LongRanger 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.
206L-4 LongRanger vs 505 Jet Ranger X: the key differences
- The 505 Jet Ranger X delivers 11% more range (206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm; 505 Jet Ranger X: 360 nm).
- The 505 Jet Ranger X delivers 14% more cruise speed (206L-4 LongRanger: 110 kt; 505 Jet Ranger X: 125 kt).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger delivers 40% more passenger capacity (206L-4 LongRanger: 7 seats; 505 Jet Ranger X: 5 seats).
- The 505 Jet Ranger X is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger), a gap of 24 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 206L-4 LongRanger is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (4,450 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 206L-4 LongRanger 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 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 505 Jet Ranger X 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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206L-4 LongRanger vs 505 Jet Ranger X: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The 505 Jet Ranger X has the longer published range — 360 nm versus 324 nm for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Does the 206L-4 LongRanger or 505 Jet Ranger X seat more passengers?
The 206L-4 LongRanger carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Which is faster, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The 505 Jet Ranger X cruises faster, at 125 kt versus 110 kt for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is newer, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
The 505 Jet Ranger X is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Is the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 505 Jet Ranger X the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 206L-4 LongRanger is the larger aircraft — 4,450 lbs versus 3,609 lbs for the 505 Jet Ranger X.
Should I buy the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 505 Jet Ranger X?
Choose the 505 Jet Ranger X when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 505 Jet Ranger X 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 206L-4 LongRanger 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.