Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, long-range helicopters suited to offshore, SAR, and utility missions. The H225 is typically the higher-capacity choice, often configured around 16–19 passengers, with practical range roughly in the 450–650 nm class depending on load and reserves. The Bell 525 is a modern fly-by-wire helicopter with comparable long-range intent, commonly configured around 12–16 passengers, with range generally in the 500–600 nm class. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for speed and point-to-point corporate travel rather than vertical access. It typically carries 7–9 passengers in standard executive layouts, with range around 1,800–2,100 nm. The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet with “super versatile” rough/short-field capability, bridging utility access and jet performance. It commonly seats 6–10 passengers depending on configuration, with range roughly 1,700–2,000 nm. Overall, the helicopters trade speed and range for vertical access and higher per-seat utility in remote areas, while the jets deliver much greater cruise speed and longer stage lengths with airport dependence.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 5.34 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | XLS+ | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1906 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.67 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 7540 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 2,303 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 430 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $15,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 25230 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW545C | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 10 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 4119 | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 52.5 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 17.2 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 5.7 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 18.5 | 23 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | 80 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 56.3 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | 0.7 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 14.3 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 10 | 90 |