Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are large twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions. They trade speed for vertical access, but offer strong payload and cabin volume. The H225 is generally the longer‑range, higher‑capacity option, typically carrying around 16–19 passengers with practical ranges often in the ~450–500+ nautical mile class depending on mission fit. The AW189 sits slightly below it in size, commonly configured for about 16–18 passengers, with typical ranges around ~430–500 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for fast point‑to‑point travel between airports, usually seating about 8–9 passengers (up to roughly 12 with options) and offering a range around ~2,000–2,100 nautical miles. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop, best for owner‑pilot use and shorter runways. It typically carries 4–6 passengers in comfort (up to 6) with a range around ~1,400 nautical miles.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 5.34 | $ 15.57 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Cessna Citation | Leonardo | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | XLS+ | AW189 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1906 | 651 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 19 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 7540 | — | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 19 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,303 | $ 2,413 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | EFIS | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 430 | 155 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,500,000 | $2,413,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 21 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 19 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 19 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — | No |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — | MID |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | — | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 25230 | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW545C | CT7-2E1 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | 1983 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — | 260 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 | — | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 52.5 | 57.8 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 17.2 | 16.6 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 395 | 165 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 56.3 | — | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.7 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.5 | — | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.7 | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 18.5 | — | 12.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.9 | — | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.3 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 | 85 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | — | 20 |