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Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw189

The Airbus Helicopters H160 is best viewed as a modern, mid-size twin optimized for efficient corporate, EMS, and light offshore missions. Its typical range is roughly in the 450–500 nm class depending on configuration, and it generally seats about 10–12 passengers (with layouts varying by mission). The Bell 525 Relentless sits a class above as a “super-medium” twin aimed primarily at offshore transport and higher-utilization operations. It is designed for longer legs than the H160, commonly cited around the 500–600+ nm class, and typically offers seating in the mid-to-high teens, often around 16 passengers in offshore-style configurations. The Leonardo AW189 is also a super-medium twin focused strongly on offshore, SAR, and utility work. Its typical range is broadly comparable to the 525—often around the 500–600 nm class depending on tanks and payload—and passenger capacity is usually in the 16–19 seat range. Overall, H160 emphasizes efficiency and comfort in the mid-size segment, while 525 and AW189 prioritize payload, cabin volume, and offshore reach.

SpecAIRBUS H160Bell 525 RelentlessAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats141821
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardo
Aircraft NameH160525 RelentlessAW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)460580651
Max Cabin Seats121619
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)39926675
Standard Cabin Seats121619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGarmin G5000HEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155160155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$14,000,000$15,000,000$2,413,000
DOC / nm$ 15.57
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats141821
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats121619
Standard Cabin Seats121619
Engine
FADECYesDual-ChannelYes
ModelHE ArranoCT7-2F1CT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
No. of Engines222
Horsepower18001983
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Dimensions
Length (ft)39.461.5857.8
Overall Height (ft)13.118.1816.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)45.254.548
Width (ft)25.77
Cabin Width (ft)7.58
Cabin Height (ft)4.5
Cabin Length (ft)15.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12885
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395