Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H225, Bell 525 Relentless, and Leonardo AW189 are medium-to-super-medium helicopters optimized for vertical access, offshore missions, and point-to-point travel without runways, while the Dassault Falcon 8X is a long-range business jet requiring airports but delivering far greater speed and intercity capability. In range terms, the Falcon 8X is in a different class, typically flying roughly 6,000+ nautical miles, enabling nonstop transoceanic routes; the helicopters are generally in the few-hundred–nautical-mile bracket, with mission range varying heavily by payload, reserves, and configuration. Passenger capacity also separates them: the Falcon 8X typically seats about 12–16 in executive layouts, whereas these helicopters can be configured for around 16–19 passengers in high-density seating, though VIP layouts reduce that. Between the helicopters, the H225 is the heavier-lift option and is often chosen for higher payload offshore work; the AW189 sits in the super-medium segment balancing cabin volume and operating economics; and the Bell 525 targets similar missions with modern avionics and a large cabin, positioning itself between traditional medium and heavier offshore platforms.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 7.66 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | 8X | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 6450 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.64 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 36900 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 3,805 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 | 19 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW307D | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 6722 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 80.2 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 26.1 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 1695 | 395 |
| 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 | — | 85 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 86.3 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 | — |