Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Robinson R66
The Airbus H225 and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters aimed at utility and offshore-style missions, while the Robinson R66 is a lighter single‑engine turbine helicopter typically used for private, training, and light commercial work; the Cessna Citation XLS+ is a twin‑engine business jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel. In range terms, the Citation XLS+ generally offers the longest reach at roughly 2,000+ nautical miles, far exceeding the helicopters. Among the rotorcraft, the H225 typically provides the greatest range, commonly in the 450–600 nautical mile class depending on fit and reserves, with the 902 Explorer and R66 usually closer to the 300–400 nautical mile class. For passenger capacity, the H225 is the largest, often configured for around 16–19 passengers (and can be arranged for more seats in certain layouts). The 902 Explorer is mid‑size, commonly around 7–8 passengers. The R66 is smaller at about 4 passengers plus a pilot. The Citation XLS+ typically seats about 7–9 passengers in executive configuration.
| 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 |