Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters, while the Cessna Citation XLS+ is a twin‑engine light business jet, so their missions differ sharply. The H225 sits in the heavy helicopter category, optimized for offshore, SAR, and utility lift; it typically carries around 16–19 passengers in high‑density seating (fewer in VIP layouts) and offers roughly a 450–500 nautical mile class range depending on payload and reserves. The MD 902 Explorer is a lighter, medium/utility helicopter often used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle; it commonly seats about 6–8 passengers and has a shorter range in the roughly 300–400 nautical mile class. The Citation XLS+ is a business jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel; it typically carries 7–9 passengers in an executive cabin and has a significantly longer range than either helicopter, around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles, enabling city‑pair trips that are impractical by rotorcraft.
| 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 |