Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions, with typical practical ranges roughly in the 400–500 nautical mile class (configuration dependent). Passenger capacity is high for rotorcraft: the H225 is commonly configured around 19 passengers, while the AW189 is typically around 16–19. They trade speed and range for vertical lift, cabin access, and the ability to operate without runways. The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane in the high‑performance owner‑pilot category. It carries up to about 6 passengers (typically 4–6 in comfort) and offers around 1,700 nautical miles of range, emphasizing efficiency and short‑runway flexibility compared with jets. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range large‑cabin business jet. It typically seats about 12–16 passengers (with higher-density layouts possible) and flies roughly 6,000+ nautical miles, prioritizing intercontinental range, speed, and comfort. Overall, helicopters lead in access and lift, the TBM 960 in efficient point‑to‑point regional travel, and the Falcon 8X in long‑haul capability and cabin space.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Daher TBM 960 | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 2.25 | $ 7.66 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 17 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Daher TBM | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | TBM 960 | 8X | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1730 | 6450 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 2908 | 36900 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 | 14 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 744 | $ 3,805 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 330 | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $4,450,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 17 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — | 16 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 | 14 | 19 |
| Lavatory | — | No | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Galley Location | — | MID | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 6.2 | 10.2 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 | 29200 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 3900 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | TBM 960 | PW307D | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 850 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 49 | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 6722 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 35.3 | 80.2 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | — | 26.1 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 123 | 1695 | 395 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 42.1 | 86.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4 | 7.7 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.1 | 6.2 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 13.4 | 42.7 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 85 |