Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large helicopters optimized for vertical access and offshore, SAR, or utility missions, while the Dassault Falcon 8X and Piaggio Avanti EVO are fixed‑wing business aircraft aimed at faster, longer-range point‑to‑point travel. In range terms, the Falcon 8X is in a different class, offering intercontinental capability (roughly 6,000+ nautical miles), whereas the Avanti EVO is a medium-range turboprop typically around 1,500–1,800 nautical miles. The helicopters trade speed and range for access: the H225 is generally around the 450–500 nautical mile class depending on configuration, and the Bell 525 is in a similar neighborhood, often cited around 500+ nautical miles with reserves. Passenger capacity also separates them: the Falcon 8X commonly seats about 12–16 in an executive layout; the Avanti EVO typically carries about 6–8. The H225 can carry a larger cabin load for a helicopter, often around 16–19 passengers in transport seating, while the Bell 525 is usually configured closer to about 12–16, depending on mission and interior.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Dassault Falcon 8X | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 7.66 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Dassault Falcon | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | 8X | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 6450 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.64 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 36900 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 3,805 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 516 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 17 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 16 | 7 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 14 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 10.2 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 29200 | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 3900 | 6600 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW307D | PT6A–66B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | On-Condition | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 17 | ISA + 28 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 6722 | — |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 80.2 | 47.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 26.1 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 1695 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 7.7 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 6.2 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 42.7 | 14.9 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 86.3 | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 6.3 | 3.5 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 | 35.2 |