Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Gulfstream G700 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are both rotorcraft optimized for vertical access rather than long-distance cruise. The H225 is a large, long-range, heavy-lift helicopter typically used for offshore and SAR missions, carrying roughly 16–19 passengers with a practical range on the order of about 450–500 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves. The 902 Explorer is a smaller twin-engine utility helicopter, usually configured for about 7–8 passengers with a shorter typical range around 300–350 nautical miles. The Daher TBM 960 is a single-engine turboprop airplane aimed at fast personal and business travel. It carries up to about 6 passengers (with a maximum seating layout around 6–7 total) and offers roughly 1,700–1,900 nautical miles of range. The Gulfstream G700 is an ultra-long-range business jet designed for intercontinental missions, typically seating around 12–19 passengers in luxury cabin layouts and capable of approximately 7,000+ nautical miles, far exceeding the others in speed, altitude, and range.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Daher TBM 960 | Gulfstream G700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 2.25 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 16 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Daher TBM | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | TBM 960 | G700 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1730 | 7500 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.56 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 2908 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 744 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G3000 | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 330 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $4,450,000 | $78,000,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 16 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 | 12 |
| Lavatory | — | No | — |
| Galley Location | — | MID | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 6.2 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | — | Optional |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | TBM 960 | Pearl 700 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | On Condition |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 850 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 49 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 18250 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 35.3 | 109.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | — | 25.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 123 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 42.1 | 103 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4 | 8.2 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.1 | 6.25 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 13.4 | 56.9 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 195 |