429 vs MD 500E
The 429 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bell Textron 429 (introduced 2009) 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 range, where the 429 has the advantage. undefined
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429 vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The 429 delivers 77% more range (429: 411 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The 429 delivers 12% more cruise speed (429: 150 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The 429 delivers 60% more passenger capacity (429: 8 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The 429 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 27 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 429 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 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 429 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 429 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 429 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.
429 vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 429 or the MD 500E?
The 429 has the longer published range — 411 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the 429 or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The 429 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the 429 or the MD 500E?
The 429 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 134 kt for the MD 500E.
Which is newer, the 429 or the MD 500E?
The 429 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the 429 or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 429 is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the 429 or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the 429 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 429 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.