Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 is a heavy twin‑engine helicopter suited to offshore, SAR, and utility missions. It trades speed and range for vertical lift and access to unimproved sites, typically carrying around 19 passengers in a transport layout and offering roughly 450–500 nm of practical range depending on payload and reserves. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a lighter twin helicopter optimized for law enforcement, EMS, and corporate shuttles; it generally seats about 7–8 passengers with a typical range around 300–350 nm. The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a large long‑range VIP airliner based on the 737 MAX 9. It offers by far the greatest range and cabin volume in this group, commonly cited around 6,000–6,500 nm with auxiliary tanks, with passenger capacity varying widely by interior but often 25–50 in executive configurations (and far more in airline layout). The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet balancing runway flexibility with jet speed; it typically carries 6–10 passengers and has about 2,000 nm of range, making it a middle ground between helicopters and the BBJ for point‑to‑point travel.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.74 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 12 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Boeing | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | BBJ MAX 9 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 6376 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 1.97 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 35 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 77120 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 7,396 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Honeywell | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 470 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $107,700,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 35 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | 9.3 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | 23500 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | LEAP-1B | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| 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 + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 28000 | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 138.4 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 40.3 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 117.9 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 11.6 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 7.1 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 107.2 | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 10.7 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 100.6 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 1485 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 90 |