206L-4 LongRanger vs MD 500E
206L-4 LongRanger and MD 500E are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) 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 206L-4 LongRanger carries more passengers. undefined
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206L-4 LongRanger vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The 206L-4 LongRanger delivers 40% more range (206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The MD 500E delivers 22% more cruise speed (206L-4 LongRanger: 110 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger delivers 40% more passenger capacity (206L-4 LongRanger: 7 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger is the newer design (introduced 1992 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 10 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 3,000 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?
On published specifications the 206L-4 LongRanger 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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206L-4 LongRanger vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the MD 500E?
The 206L-4 LongRanger has the longer published range — 324 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the 206L-4 LongRanger or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The 206L-4 LongRanger carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the MD 500E?
The MD 500E cruises faster, at 134 kt versus 110 kt for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is newer, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the MD 500E?
The 206L-4 LongRanger is the newer design, introduced in 1992 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the 206L-4 LongRanger or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 206L-4 LongRanger is the larger aircraft — 4,450 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the 206L-4 LongRanger or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the 206L-4 LongRanger 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 206L-4 LongRanger 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.