Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters, while the Bell 525 Relentless is a newer-generation super‑medium helicopter; the Embraer Legacy 650E is a long‑range business jet, so it competes in a different mission class. In range, the Legacy 650E is far ahead, typically around 3,900 nautical miles, enabling true intercontinental legs. Among the helicopters, the H225 generally offers the longest reach at roughly 450–500 nautical miles depending on load and reserves, the Bell 525 is in a similar band at about 500 nautical miles, and the MD 902 is shorter‑legged at roughly 300–350 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the Legacy 650E commonly seats 13 passengers in executive configuration (with a higher maximum if densified), whereas the H225 is the people‑mover, often configured for about 16–19 passengers and capable of more in high‑density layouts. The Bell 525 typically carries around 12–16 passengers depending on interior. The MD 902 is much smaller, usually accommodating about 7–8 passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 |