Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Gulfstream G700 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 is a large twin‑engine helicopter optimized for offshore, search and rescue, and utility work. Compared with fixed‑wing aircraft, its key advantage is vertical lift and access to confined sites, but its range is shorter, typically on the order of roughly 500–650 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves, and passenger capacity is commonly around 16–19 in transport layouts. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a lighter twin helicopter aimed at law enforcement, EMS, and corporate shuttle roles. It generally carries about 6–8 passengers and has a shorter range, roughly 300–400 nautical miles. The Gulfstream G700 is a long‑range business jet designed for intercontinental travel. It offers far greater range than the helicopters, about 7,000+ nautical miles, with a typical cabin occupancy around 10–14 passengers (higher maximums in denser layouts). The Pilatus PC‑24 is a versatile light jet positioned between turboprops and large business jets, emphasizing short/rough‑field capability. It typically carries about 6–10 passengers and offers a mid‑range profile, around 1,800–2,000+ nautical miles.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Gulfstream G700 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 16 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Gulfstream | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | G700 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 7500 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $78,000,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 16 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 12 | 6 |
| Crew Rest | — | Optional | No |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 23500 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | Pearl 700 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On Condition | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 18250 | 3435 |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 23 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 109.9 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 25.4 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 103 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 8.2 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 6.25 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 56.9 | 23 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 195 | 90 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |