Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Robinson R66
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are large, twin‑engine helicopters typically used for offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility missions. Both generally offer long helicopter ranges on the order of roughly 450–500+ nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, and they can carry around 16–19 passengers in high‑density configurations (often fewer in VIP/mission fits). The AW189 is slightly smaller and lighter than the H225, which is among the heavier “super‑medium” class helicopters and is optimized for demanding, long‑range lift. The Robinson R66 is a much smaller, single‑engine light helicopter aimed at private, training, and light utility roles. Its range is typically a few hundred nautical miles and passenger capacity is limited to about five seats total including the pilot. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a twin‑engine light business jet rather than a helicopter. It trades vertical lift for significantly higher cruise speed and a longer point‑to‑point range, typically around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles, with seating commonly arranged for about 7–9 passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 5.34 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Cessna Citation | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | XLS+ | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1906 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 7540 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,303 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 430 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 19 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW545C | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 52.5 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 17.2 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 395 |
| 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 | 85 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | — |