Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor
The Airbus Helicopters H160 is a medium twin conventional helicopter aimed at corporate and offshore shuttle work. It typically carries about 12 passengers in a high-density layout (often fewer in VIP), and its practical mission range is roughly in the 450–550 nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves. The Airbus Helicopters H175 is a larger super‑medium twin conventional helicopter optimized for offshore transport and SAR. It generally accommodates about 16–18 passengers, and offers a longer effective range than the H160, commonly around the 550–650 nautical mile class, again mission‑dependent. The Bell 525 Relentless is a super‑medium twin conventional helicopter positioned for offshore and executive roles. Typical seating is around 16–20 passengers, with range broadly comparable to the H175, often cited in the 550–650 nautical mile class depending on configuration. The Leonardo AW609 is a civil tiltrotor rather than a helicopter: it trades hover capability for much higher cruise speed and airplane‑like enroute efficiency. It is typically configured for about 6–9 passengers, with a longer point‑to‑point range often around the 700–1,000 nautical mile class, depending on reserves and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 18 | — |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | H175 | 525 Relentless | AW609 Tiltrotor |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 573 | 580 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 16 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6797 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 16 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 149 | 160 | — |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $15,000,000 | $20,000,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 13.53 | — | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.75 | — | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,016 | — | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 18 | — |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 16 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 16 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | — |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | CT7-2F1 | — |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1775 | 1800 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 641 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 59.2 | 61.58 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.5 | 18.18 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 48.5 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 423.8 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 81.9 | 128 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 15.5 | — |