Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Enstrom 480b vs Piper M600 Sls
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions. Both typically carry around 16–19 passengers, but the H225 is generally optimized for heavier lift and established offshore operations, while the 525 targets similar roles with modern systems and a slightly smaller cabin footprint in many configurations. In range, both can reach roughly the 500–600 nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves, with mission equipment and seating choices strongly affecting real‑world legs. The Enstrom 480B sits in a much lighter helicopter category, usually configured for about 4–5 occupants. Its range is markedly shorter, commonly in the low‑ to mid‑300 nautical mile class, making it better suited to training, patrol, and short‑haul utility rather than offshore transport. The Piper M600 SLS is not a helicopter but a single‑engine turboprop airplane. It trades vertical capability for speed and efficiency, typically seating 1 pilot plus about 5 passengers, and offering a longer cross‑country range often around 1,000+ nautical miles, depending on payload and conditions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | 260 |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 55 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 165 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 12.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 43.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 20 |