Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Beechcraft King Air 360 Er vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are twin‑engine helicopters, typically chosen for offshore, SAR, and VIP missions where vertical lift matters more than cruise efficiency. The H225 generally offers the greatest long‑range helicopter endurance of the four, with typical mission ranges on the order of roughly 700–850 nm depending on fit, and it can carry a relatively large cabin load, often around 16–19 passengers in high‑density layouts (fewer in VIP). The Bell 525 is a newer, fly‑by‑wire super‑medium helicopter, usually configured for about 12–16 passengers, with typical ranges roughly in the 600–750 nm class, again mission‑dependent. The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is a pressurized twin‑turboprop airplane aimed at utility and business travel; it trades helicopter access for better cruise efficiency and often longer legs, with advertised range around the 1,500 nm class and typical seating around 8–9 passengers. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a light jet focused on faster point‑to‑point travel; it commonly seats about 8–9 passengers and typically flies roughly 1,700–2,100 nm depending on reserves and conditions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 25230 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW545C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 4119 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 17.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 18.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | 80 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 10 |