Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Sikorsky S 92
All five are medium-to-heavy, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility roles, but they sit in different weight and cabin classes. The Airbus H160 is the “lightest” of the group, positioned as a modern medium twin with the shortest typical mission reach among these and a smaller cabin, generally suited to lower passenger counts than the heavy offshore machines. The Leonardo AW189 and Airbus H225 move into larger, more offshore‑focused categories, offering longer practical range profiles than the H160 and higher typical seating, with the H225 generally at the heavier end and commonly configured for more passengers. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a long‑established heavy offshore/SAR benchmark with robust payload and endurance, typically carrying similar or slightly higher passenger loads than the AW189 and competing closely with the H225 on mission radius. The Bell 525 Relentless is a new‑generation “super‑medium,” generally bridging the gap: more cabin and range than traditional mediums like the H160, and competing directly with AW189/S‑92/H225 class missions while offering high‑density passenger configurations depending on layout. Actual range and seats vary materially by fuel, payload, and interior.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 21 | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | H225 | 525 Relentless | AW189 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 454 | 580 | 651 | 439 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 28 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 11929 | 6675 | — | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 142 | 160 | 155 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $2,413,000 | $30,650,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 20.87 | — | $ 15.57 | $ 19.79 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,963 | — | $ 2,413 | $ 3,068 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 21 | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 28 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | CT7-2E1 | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 2100 | 1800 | 1983 | 2520 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 684 | 641 | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 63.4 | 61.58 | 57.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 16.3 | 18.18 | 16.6 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 53.2 | 54.5 | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 547 | — | 395 | 775 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 7.58 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 15.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 128 | 85 | 140 |