Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters, optimized for vertical lift, short-to-medium missions, and access to confined areas, while the Cessna Citation XLS+ and Embraer Legacy 650E are fixed‑wing business jets built for longer, faster point‑to‑point travel. In range, the Legacy 650E is the long‑range leader, typically around 3,900 nautical miles, suitable for intercontinental-style missions. The Citation XLS+ is a midsize jet with a shorter reach, roughly 2,100 nautical miles, aimed at regional and transcontinental trips with more runway flexibility than larger jets. The H225’s practical range is generally around 500–650 nautical miles depending on load and reserves, while the 902 Explorer is shorter still, commonly around 300–350 nautical miles. Passenger capacity differs by mission: the Legacy 650E typically seats about 13 in executive configuration, the Citation XLS+ usually 8–9. The H225 can carry far more in high-density layouts (often 19+), whereas the 902 Explorer typically carries about 7–8.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 25230 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW545C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 17.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 18.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 |