Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Dassault Falcon 8x
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, twin‑engine helicopters optimized for vertical lift missions, while the Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range tri‑jet business aircraft designed for fast, high‑altitude point‑to‑point travel. In range, the Falcon 8X is in a different class, typically capable of about 6,450 nautical miles, enabling intercontinental nonstop missions. The H225 and Bell 525 have much shorter ranges typical of helicopters; depending on configuration and reserves, they are generally on the order of roughly 500–700 nautical miles, with the 525 often marketed toward the higher end of that bracket for its class. For passenger capacity, the H225 usually carries the most in high‑density layouts, commonly up to around 19 passengers, reflecting its heavy‑lift transport role. The Bell 525 is typically configured for fewer, often around 16 passengers, emphasizing comfort and offshore efficiency. The Falcon 8X usually seats far fewer than either helicopter, commonly 12–16 in executive layouts, prioritizing cabin comfort, speed, and long range over high-density capacity.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 7.66 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 6450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.64 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 3,805 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 10.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 29200 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 3900 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW307D |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 6722 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 80.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 26.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 1695 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 42.7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 86.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 29.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 |