412EPX vs MD 500E
412EPX and MD 500E are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
The Bell Textron 412EPX (introduced 1981) and the MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 412EPX carries more passengers. undefined
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412EPX vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The 412EPX delivers 73% more range (412EPX: 402 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The MD 500E delivers 10% more cruise speed (412EPX: 122 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The 412EPX delivers 160% more passenger capacity (412EPX: 13 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The MD 500E is the newer design (introduced 1982 versus 1981 for the 412EPX), a gap of 1 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 412EPX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (11,900 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 412EPX 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 412EPX 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 412EPX 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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412EPX vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 412EPX or the MD 500E?
The 412EPX has the longer published range — 402 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the 412EPX or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The 412EPX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the 412EPX or the MD 500E?
The MD 500E cruises faster, at 134 kt versus 122 kt for the 412EPX.
Which is newer, the 412EPX or the MD 500E?
The MD 500E is the newer design, introduced in 1982 versus 1981 for the 412EPX.
Is the 412EPX or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 412EPX is the larger aircraft — 11,900 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the 412EPX or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the 412EPX 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 412EPX 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.