Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 is a large twin‑engine helicopter optimized for vertical lift missions such as offshore transport and search and rescue. It typically carries around 19 passengers (high‑density seating) and has a practical range on the order of roughly 450–650 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves, trading speed and range for the ability to operate without runways. The Dassault Falcon 8X is an ultra‑long‑range tri‑jet business aircraft designed for intercontinental travel. It generally seats 12–16 passengers in executive layouts and can fly about 6,400 nautical miles, making it the clear leader in range and cruise efficiency among the three. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet positioned for flexibility, including operations from shorter and semi‑prepared runways. It commonly seats 6–10 passengers (up to about 11 in some configurations) and offers a range around 2,000 nautical miles, bridging the gap between helicopter access and long‑range business‑jet capability.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Dassault Falcon 8X | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 7.66 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Dassault Falcon | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 8X | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 6450 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 36900 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 3,805 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 14 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 10.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 29200 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW307D | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 80.2 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 26.1 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 1695 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 86.3 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.7 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 42.7 | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |