Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters, optimized for vertical lift and short-point-to-point missions rather than long-range cruise. The H225 is a heavy twin-engine utility helicopter typically configured for roughly 16–19 passengers, with a practical range on the order of about 450–500 nautical miles depending on load and reserves. The MD 902 Explorer is a lighter twin-engine helicopter, usually carrying about 5–7 passengers, with a typical range around 300–350 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation XLS+ and Dassault Falcon 8X are fixed-wing business jets designed for speed and long-distance travel. The Citation XLS+ is a super-midsize/light-midsize jet commonly seating about 7–9 passengers, with a typical range around 2,000–2,100 nautical miles. The Falcon 8X is an ultra-long-range large-cabin jet, often configured for about 12–16 passengers, with range roughly 6,400–6,450 nautical miles, enabling intercontinental nonstop flights that are far beyond the capability of the XLS+ or either helicopter.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 5.34 | $ 7.66 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Cessna Citation | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | XLS+ | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1906 | 6450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.64 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 7540 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,303 | $ 3,805 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 430 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,500,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 14 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | 10.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 25230 | 29200 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 3900 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW545C | PW307D |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 | 6722 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 52.5 | 80.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 17.2 | 26.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 1695 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 56.3 | 86.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.5 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 18.5 | 42.7 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.9 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.3 | 29.2 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 140 |