Bell 429 Globalranger vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Bell 525 Relentless
The Bell 505 JetRanger X is the lightest of the three, a single‑engine light helicopter typically used for training, patrol, and utility work. It offers the shortest range and the smallest cabin, generally carrying a pilot plus up to four passengers (often configured for four total occupants depending on mission and payload). The Bell 429 GlobalRanger steps up to a twin‑engine light/intermediate class, aimed at EMS, corporate, and public safety roles. It provides a noticeably longer range than the 505 and a larger cabin, commonly seating one or two pilots with around six passengers in a typical executive layout. The Bell 525 Relentless is a twin‑engine super‑medium helicopter designed for longer‑distance, higher‑payload missions such as offshore transport and VIP movement. It delivers the greatest range of the three and the highest passenger capacity, generally accommodating two pilots and a larger passenger load (often in the low‑to‑mid teens depending on configuration). Actual range and seating vary with equipment, reserves, and mission profile.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | Bell 505 JetRanger X | Bell 525 Relentless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 3.53 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 5 | 18 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | 505 JetRanger X | 525 Relentless |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 306 | 580 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | — | 16 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | 1500 | 6675 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 3 | 16 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 441 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G5000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 125 | 160 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $1,445,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 5 | 18 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | — | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 3 | 16 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Dual-Channel |
| Model | PW207D1 | Arrius 2R | CT7-2F1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 505 | 1800 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | 32.3 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 84.85 | 641 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | 6.51 | 25.77 |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 42.48 | 61.58 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | 4.66 | 7.58 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | 2.75 | 4.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | 7.17 | 15.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 10.65 | 18.18 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 37 | 54.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | 137 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 18 | 128 |