Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and executive transport. The H225 typically emphasizes heavy‑lift utility and robust long‑range operations, with range roughly in the 450–700 nm class depending on tanks and payload, and seating commonly around 16–19 passengers in high‑density layouts (fewer in VIP). The Bell 525 is a newer‑generation super‑medium with fly‑by‑wire ambitions for smoother, faster point‑to‑point travel; it generally targets similar missions with range roughly around 500–600 nm and typical seating in the mid‑teens (often about 16), again varying by configuration. The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane, not a helicopter, optimized for fast personal/business travel. It trades vertical lift for speed and long legs, with range on the order of about 1,400–1,700 nm and seating typically 4–6 passengers plus a pilot. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine helicopter focused on training, patrol, and utility, with much shorter range (roughly 200–300 nm) and capacity usually 4–5 seats.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 6.2 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 14390 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | TBM 960 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 49 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 35.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 123 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 13.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 42.1 |