Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Dassault Falcon 8x
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are both large, twin‑engine helicopters suited to offshore, SAR, and utility roles, but they trade speed and range against vertical-access flexibility. The H225 typically carries around 16–19 passengers with an approximate range on the order of 450–500 nm, while the Bell 525 is generally positioned for roughly similar passenger counts (often up to about 16) with a range commonly cited around 500–560 nm, depending on configuration. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop airplane in a different category: a rugged, short‑field utility aircraft optimized for cost and simplicity. It usually seats up to 9 passengers (or more in commuter layouts) and offers a range roughly around 900–1,000+ nm, varying with payload and tanks. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, tri‑jet business jet focused on high speed and intercontinental reach. It typically carries 12–16 passengers in executive cabins and delivers about 6,400 nm of range, far exceeding the others, but requiring runway infrastructure rather than vertical lift.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 7.66 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 6450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.64 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 3,805 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 10.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 29200 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 3900 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW307D |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 6722 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 80.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 26.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 1695 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 42.7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 86.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 29.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 |