Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Bombardier Global 7500 vs Cessna Citation Xls
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, long-range helicopters suited to offshore, SAR, and utility missions, while the Bombardier Global 7500 and Cessna Citation XLS+ are business jets aimed at high-speed, long-distance travel. The H225 typically carries around 19 passengers in a high-density configuration and offers practical range on the order of roughly 450–550 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Bell 525 is a newer super-medium helicopter, commonly arranged for about 16 passengers, with a similar practical range ballpark of roughly 500–600 nautical miles. The Global 7500 is an ultra-long-range business jet designed for intercontinental missions, typically seating about 14–19 passengers (with higher-density options) and capable of about 7,700 nautical miles. The Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for shorter regional trips, typically carrying about 7–9 passengers with a range around 2,000–2,100 nautical miles. Overall, the jets far exceed the helicopters in range and speed, while the helicopters trade that for vertical lift, hover capability, and access to austere or shipboard landing sites.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Bombardier Global 7500 | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 9.50 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bombardier | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | Global 7500 | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 7700 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.79 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 19 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | — | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 12 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 4,900 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Bombardier Vision (Pro Line Fusion) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 516 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $75,000,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | Business Jet | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 19 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 12 | 8 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | Yes | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley | Galley |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 4500 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | — | 9.3 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 25230 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | Passport | PW545C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 15 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 18920 | 4119 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 111 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 27 | 17.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 8 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 6.2 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 54.5 | 18.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — | 80 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 104 | 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 |