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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.

SpecAIRBUS H225Cessna Citation XLS+AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 5.34$ 15.57
Min Crew221
Total Seats211021
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersCessna CitationLeonardo
Aircraft NameH225XLS+AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4541906651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.67$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats28919
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)119297540
Standard Cabin Seats19819
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 2,303$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISRockwell Collins Pro Line 21EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142430155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$15,500,000$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats211021
Max Cabin Seats28919
Standard Cabin Seats19819
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)25230
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1PW545CCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350050004000
Horsepower21001983
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Flat RatingISA + 10
Thrust (lbs)4119
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.452.557.8
Overall Height (ft)16.317.216.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.248
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547395
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)8085
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10