Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Dassault Falcon 8x
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large helicopters aimed at offshore, utility, and VIP missions, while the Cessna Citation XLS+ and Dassault Falcon 8X are fixed‑wing business jets optimized for faster, higher, longer-range travel. In range terms, the H225 typically operates in the roughly 500–600 nautical mile class depending on reserves and payload, while the Bell 525 is broadly similar, generally around the mid‑500 nautical mile range. The Citation XLS+ is a midsize jet with transcontinental capability, typically around 2,000–2,100 nautical miles. The Falcon 8X is an ultra‑long‑range trijet designed for intercontinental missions, around 6,400–6,500 nautical miles. Passenger capacity differs by configuration: the H225 can carry a large cabin load, commonly up to about 19 passengers, whereas the Bell 525 is usually configured for fewer, often around 16. The Citation XLS+ typically seats about 8–9 passengers, while the Falcon 8X commonly accommodates 12–16 in executive layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 5.34 | $ 7.66 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Cessna Citation | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | XLS+ | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1906 | 6450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.67 | $ 0.64 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 7540 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 2,303 | $ 3,805 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 430 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $15,500,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 14 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | AFT | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 | 10.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 25230 | 29200 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 3900 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW545C | PW307D |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 10 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 4119 | 6722 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 52.5 | 80.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 17.2 | 26.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — | 1695 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 5.5 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 18.5 | 42.7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | 80 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 56.3 | 86.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.9 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 14.3 | 29.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 10 | 140 |