Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Airbus H225 and Sikorsky S‑92 are heavy twin‑engine helicopters optimized for offshore and utility missions, while the Bell 525 Relentless is a newer “super‑medium” twin aimed at similar roles with a smaller footprint. The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range business jetliner derivative, operating in an entirely different category focused on intercontinental travel and high‑end cabin space. In range, the BBJ MAX 9 is vastly ahead, typically around 6,000+ nautical miles with auxiliary fuel options, enabling long nonstop city pairs. Among the helicopters, the Bell 525 is generally in the ~500–600 nautical mile class, the S‑92 around ~500 nautical miles, and the H225 often in a similar ~450–600 nautical mile band depending on mission equipment and reserves. For passenger capacity, the BBJ MAX 9 can seat well over 150 in airline layout, but in VIP configuration it’s usually far fewer, often a few dozen. The H225 and S‑92 commonly carry about 19 passengers in offshore seating, while the Bell 525 is typically configured for roughly 16–19.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 15.74 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 12 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Boeing | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | BBJ MAX 9 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 6376 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 1.97 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 35 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 77120 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 7,396 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 470 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $107,700,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 35 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 19 |
| Configuration | — | — | Green Interior | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 24000 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | LEAP-1B | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | 760 |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 28000 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 138.4 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 40.3 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — | 775 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 11.6 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 7.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 107.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | 1485 | 140 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 117.9 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 10.7 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 100.6 | — |