Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters optimized for vertical lift missions. The H225 is the larger, long-range heavy helicopter, typically carrying around 16–24 passengers depending on layout, with a practical range roughly in the 450–550 nautical mile class. The 902 Explorer is a lighter utility helicopter, commonly configured for about 6–8 passengers, with range often around 300–350 nautical miles. The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a large VIP airliner (business jetliner) derived from the 737 MAX 9. It offers by far the greatest range and cabin volume of the group, typically flying about 3,200–3,500 nautical miles with auxiliary tanks, and it can be configured for anything from a spacious VIP layout (often a few dozen passengers) up to airline-style high-density seating well over 150. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet, usually seating about 8–9 passengers, with a typical range around 2,000–2,100 nautical miles, trading intercity efficiency and runway flexibility against the BBJ’s long-haul capacity and the helicopters’ point-to-point access.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.74 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 12 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Boeing | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | BBJ MAX 9 | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 6376 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 1.97 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 35 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 77120 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 7,396 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Honeywell | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 470 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $107,700,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 35 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | 9.3 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | 25230 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | AFT |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | LEAP-1B | PW545C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 15 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 28000 | 4119 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 138.4 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 40.3 | 17.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 117.9 | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 11.6 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 7.1 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 107.2 | 18.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 10.7 | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 100.6 | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 1485 | 80 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 10 |