Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw139
All three are twin‑engine, IFR‑capable helicopters aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and VIP/utility roles, but they sit in slightly different size and mission sweet spots. The Airbus Helicopters H175 and Leonardo AW139 are proven “super‑medium” workhorses widely used for offshore crew change and multi‑mission operations, while the Bell 525 Relentless is a newer clean‑sheet design positioned at the upper end of the super‑medium class with a strong emphasis on modern avionics and high‑speed, long‑range performance. On range, the AW139 typically offers the shortest reach of the three in common configurations, the H175 generally extends farther, and the 525 is usually cited as the longest‑range contender, depending on fuel fit and payload assumptions. On passenger capacity, the AW139 is commonly configured around 12–15 passengers, the H175 around 16–18, and the Bell 525 is often marketed in a similar upper‑teens layout, with exact seating varying by offshore, VIP, or EMS/SAR interiors and regulatory limits.
| Spec | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 13.53 | — | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H175 | 525 Relentless | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 573 | 580 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.75 | — | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 16 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6797 | 6675 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 16 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,016 | — | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 149 | 160 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $17,900,000 | $15,000,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 16 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 16 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-67E | CT7-2F1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1775 | 1800 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 641 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 59.2 | 61.58 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.5 | 18.18 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48.5 | 54.5 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 423.8 | — | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 81.9 | 128 | 120 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | — |