Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Enstrom 480b vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility roles. The H225 typically carries more people in high‑density seating (often up to about 19) and is proven for heavy-lift missions, while the Bell 525 targets similar missions with modern avionics and a spacious cabin, commonly configured around 16–20 seats. In range, both are long‑legged for helicopters; the H225 is generally around the 450–500+ nautical mile class depending on fit, and the 525 is broadly comparable, often cited in the ~500–600 nautical mile class with reserves depending on configuration. The Enstrom 480B is a much smaller single‑engine utility helicopter, best viewed as a light turbine for training, patrol, and short‑range transport. It typically seats 5 (pilot plus up to 4 passengers) and has a much shorter range, roughly in the ~200–300 nautical mile class. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is not a helicopter but a pressurized twin‑turboprop airplane. It seats about 7–9, cruises much faster, and generally offers a longer range (often ~1,400–1,700 nautical miles), making it better for point‑to‑point business travel than vertical‑lift missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 7 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6600 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PT6A–66B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 28 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 47.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 14.9 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 35.2 |