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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 525 Relentless | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 580 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 160 | 155 |
| 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 | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | CT7-2F1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1800 | 1983 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 641 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 61.58 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 18.18 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 54.5 | 48 |
| 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 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 395 |