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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.

SpecAIRBUS H225Cessna Citation XLS+
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 5.34
Min Crew22
Total Seats2110
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersCessna Citation
Aircraft NameH225XLS+
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4541906
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.67
Max Cabin Seats289
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)119297540
Standard Cabin Seats198
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 2,303
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISRockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142430
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$15,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew22
Total Seats2110
Max Cabin Seats289
Standard Cabin Seats198
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
FADECYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1PW545C
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35005000
Horsepower2100
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Flat RatingISA + 10
Thrust (lbs)4119
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.452.5
Overall Height (ft)16.317.2
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