AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Airbus H225 is a large, twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and utility lift. It typically carries around 19 passengers in airline-style seating (more in high-density layouts) and has a practical range on the order of roughly 450–550 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter oriented to EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions, usually seating about 6–8 passengers with a typical range around 300–400 nautical miles. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine light helicopter primarily used for training, patrol, and utility work; it commonly seats 4–5 people and has a shorter typical range of about 250–350 nautical miles. In contrast, the Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, tri‑jet business aircraft designed for intercontinental travel, generally carrying about 8–16 passengers in a corporate cabin and offering an approximate range near 6,000–6,450 nautical miles. Overall, the Falcon 8X dominates range and cruise efficiency, while the helicopters trade range for vertical-lift access, with the H225 leading helicopter capacity and the 902 and 480B serving smaller cabin needs.

SpecAIRBUS H225Dassault Falcon 8X
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 7.66
Min Crew22
Total Seats2117
Flight RulesIFR—
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersDassault Falcon
Aircraft NameH2258X
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4546450
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.64
Max Cabin Seats2816
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)1192936900
Standard Cabin Seats1914
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 3,805
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISHoneywell Primus EASy II
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142516
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$ 62,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit23
Min Crew22
Total Seats2117
Max Cabin Seats2816
Standard Cabin Seats1914
Lavatory—2 Enclosed Flushing
Crew Rest—No
Jump Seat—Yes
Galley Location—FWD
Lavatory Location—FWD / AFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)—10.2
Galley / Refreshment—Galley
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—29200
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)—3900
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1PW307D
Fuel TypeJetFuel—
TBO (hrs)3500On-Condition
Horsepower2100—
No. of Engines23
Fuel Capacity (gal)684—
Flat Rating—ISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)—6722
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.480.2
Overall Height (ft)16.326.1
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.2—
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)5471695
Wingspan (ft)—86.3
Cabin Width (ft)—7.7
Cabin Height (ft)—6.2
Cabin Length (ft)—42.7
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)—6.3
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)—29.2
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)—140