Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Gulfstream G700 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are rotorcraft aimed at utility and passenger lift, while the Bell 525 Relentless targets higher-end offshore/corporate missions with more speed and technology; the Gulfstream G700 is a long-range business jet in a different class altogether. In range, the G700 dominates with roughly 7,500 nautical miles, enabling true intercontinental trips. Among the helicopters, the H225 typically offers the longest legs, commonly around 450–500+ nautical miles depending on fit, with the Bell 525 in a similar ballpark (often cited around 500–560 nautical miles), and the 902 Explorer shorter, roughly around 300–350 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the G700 generally carries up to about 19 in high-density configurations (with fewer in typical executive layouts). The H225 is the people-mover of the helicopters, commonly configured around 16–19 passengers (and more in maximum-density seating). The Bell 525 is typically around 16–20 depending on layout. The 902 Explorer is smaller, usually seating about 7–9 passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Gulfstream G700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 16 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | G700 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 7500 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $78,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 16 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 12 |
| Crew Rest | — | — | Optional |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | — |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | Pearl 700 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | On Condition |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 18250 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 109.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 25.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 8.2 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 6.25 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 56.9 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 103 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 195 |