Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 is a large twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility missions. Its range is typically around 450–500 nautical miles depending on configuration, and it commonly carries about 19 passengers (higher in high‑density seating). The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a much smaller light twin helicopter suited to police, EMS, and short‑haul corporate or utility work; its range is usually about 250–300 nautical miles, with seating generally for 6–8 passengers. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range tri‑jet business aircraft designed for intercontinental point‑to‑point travel; it offers roughly 6,000+ nautical miles of range and typically accommodates about 12–16 passengers in executive layouts (with higher maximum certified occupancy depending on configuration). In short, the Falcon 8X dominates for speed and long distance, while the H225 emphasizes payload and vertical‑lift capability for medium ranges, and the 902 Explorer prioritizes agility and lower operating footprint for shorter missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 7.66 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 6450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.64 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 3,805 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 14 |
| 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 | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW307D |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 80.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 26.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 1695 |
| 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 |