AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b

The Airbus H225 is a large, twin‑engine helicopter intended for offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility missions. It trades speed and fixed‑wing range for vertical lift and payload, typically carrying around 16–19 passengers and offering a practical range on the order of roughly 450–550 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for fast regional travel. It typically seats 7–9 passengers in executive layouts and has a range of about 1,800–2,100 nautical miles, making it the best fit of the four for frequent, longer city‑pair trips at jet speeds. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop, generally seating 4–6 passengers plus a pilot. It emphasizes efficiency and access to shorter runways, with a range commonly around 1,400–1,700 nautical miles. The Enstrom 480B is a light turbine helicopter used for training, patrol, and utility work. It typically carries 4–5 occupants and has a much shorter range, roughly 200–350 nautical miles, but offers helicopter flexibility similar in concept—though far smaller—than the H225.

SpecAIRBUS H225Cessna Citation XLS+Daher TBM 960
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 5.34$ 2.25
Min Crew221
Total Seats21106
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersCessna CitationDaher TBM
Aircraft NameH225XLS+TBM 960
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)45419061730
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.67$ 0.56
Max Cabin Seats289
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1192975402908
Standard Cabin Seats1984
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 2,303$ 744
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISRockwell Collins Pro Line 21Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142430330
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$15,500,000$4,450,000
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats21106
Max Cabin Seats289
Standard Cabin Seats1984
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted FlushingNo
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Galley LocationFWDMID
Lavatory LocationAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.36.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2523014390
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1PW545CTBM 960
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350050003500
Horsepower2100850
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Flat RatingISA + 10ISA + 49
Thrust (lbs)4119
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.452.535.3
Overall Height (ft)16.317.2
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.2
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547123
Wingspan (ft)56.342.1
Aisle Step (ft)0.7
Cabin Width (ft)5.54
Cabin Height (ft)5.74.1
Cabin Length (ft)18.513.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.9
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.3
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)80
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10