407GXi vs MD 500E
407GXi and MD 500E are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) 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 407GXi has the advantage. undefined
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407GXi vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The 407GXi delivers 42% more range (407GXi: 330 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The MD 500E delivers 1% more cruise speed (407GXi: 133 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The 407GXi delivers 40% more passenger capacity (407GXi: 7 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 36 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 407GXi is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,250 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 407GXi 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 407GXi 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.
407GXi vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 407GXi or the MD 500E?
The 407GXi has the longer published range — 330 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the 407GXi or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The 407GXi carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the 407GXi or the MD 500E?
The MD 500E cruises faster, at 134 kt versus 133 kt for the 407GXi.
Which is newer, the 407GXi or the MD 500E?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the 407GXi or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 407GXi is the larger aircraft — 5,250 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the 407GXi or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the 407GXi 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 407GXi 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.