Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Robinson R66
The Airbus H225 is a large twin‑engine helicopter designed for offshore transport and utility missions; it typically carries around 16–19 passengers in a transport layout and offers roughly 450–650 nautical miles of range depending on configuration and reserves. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter focused on training and local utility work; it generally seats up to 5 (including the pilot) with an approximate range around 250–350 nautical miles. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter aimed at private, training, and light commercial roles; it typically seats up to 5 with about 300–350 nautical miles of range. The Daher TBM 960 is not a helicopter but a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop airplane for fast personal and business travel; it usually seats 4–6 and has a substantially longer range, roughly 1,400–1,700 nautical miles. Overall, the H225 leads in passenger lift, the TBM 960 leads in range and speed, and the 480B and R66 serve smaller‑capacity, shorter‑range helicopter missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 6.2 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | TBM 960 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 49 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 35.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 123 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 42.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 13.4 |