Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions. Both typically offer a practical range on the order of roughly 500–700 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, with cabin layouts commonly accommodating around 12–19 passengers (higher in dense seating). The H225 generally leans toward heavier-lift cabin volume and established offshore use, while the 525 targets similar missions with modern avionics and efficiency. The Daher TBM 960 and Piper M600 SLS are single‑engine turboprop airplanes optimized for fast, owner‑pilot travel. They trade vertical‑lift capability for longer legs and higher cruise efficiency: the TBM 960 typically reaches about 1,400–1,700 nautical miles with NBAA-style reserves, carrying up to 6 occupants (often 4–6 in comfort). The M600 SLS typically offers about 1,000–1,400 nautical miles depending on conditions and load, with seating for up to 6. In short, the helicopters prioritize access and cabin utility at moderate range, while the turboprops prioritize point‑to‑point speed and range with smaller passenger counts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Daher TBM 960 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 2.25 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Daher TBM | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | TBM 960 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1730 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.56 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 2908 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 744 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 330 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $4,450,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 4 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 6.2 | 5.6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 14390 | 12600 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | — | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | No |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | TBM 960 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | 850 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | 260 |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 49 | ISA + 55 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 35.3 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | — | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 123 | 165 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 4 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 13.4 | 12.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 42.1 | 43.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 20 |