Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and high‑end utility missions. Both typically carry around 16–20 passengers in airline-style seating, with the H225 generally offering longer real‑world endurance and heavier-lift capability, while the 525 targets a similar role set with modern avionics and competitive range; in practice, each is usually planned around a few hundred nautical miles with reserves depending on payload and conditions. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing utility aircraft, slower but very efficient for short to medium routes, commonly configured for about 9–14 passengers, and typically capable of roughly 900–1,000+ nautical miles depending on load and winds. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet, optimized for speed and longer stage lengths, usually seating about 6–10 passengers in executive layouts, with typical ranges around 2,000 nautical miles. In category terms, the PC‑24 leads on range and speed, the Caravan emphasizes rugged simplicity and payload flexibility, and the H225/525 dominate vertical-lift access where runways aren’t available.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 23500 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| 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 + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 23 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 90 |