AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Robinson R66

The Airbus H225 is a heavy twin‑engine helicopter designed for offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility work. It typically carries around 16–19 passengers (higher in dense seating) and offers long helicopter-class legs, roughly on the order of 400–500+ nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop airplane optimized for fast point‑to‑point travel. It is usually flown with 1 pilot and up to 5–6 passengers, and it has the longest range of the three, commonly around 1,000–1,700 nautical miles depending on power settings and load. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter aimed at personal, training, and light utility missions. It seats 1 pilot plus up to 4 passengers and has a shorter typical range, roughly about 300–350 nautical miles. Overall, the TBM 960 leads in range and cruise efficiency, the H225 leads in lift and passenger volume with vertical-access capability, and the R66 is the smallest, simplest helicopter option for shorter missions.

SpecAIRBUS H225Daher TBM 960
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 2.25
Min Crew21
Total Seats216
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersDaher TBM
Aircraft NameH225TBM 960
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4541730
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.56
Max Cabin Seats28—
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)119292908
Standard Cabin Seats194
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 744
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGarmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142330
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$4,450,000
Aircraft Type—Turbo Prop
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats216
Max Cabin Seats28—
Standard Cabin Seats194
Lavatory—No
Galley Location—MID
Cabin Pressure (psi)—6.2
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—14390
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1TBM 960
Fuel TypeJetFuel—
TBO (hrs)35003500
Horsepower2100850
No. of Engines2—
Fuel Capacity (gal)684—
Flat Rating—ISA + 49
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.435.3
Overall Height (ft)16.3—
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.2—
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547123
Wingspan (ft)—42.1
Cabin Width (ft)—4
Cabin Height (ft)—4.1
Cabin Length (ft)—13.4