Bell 525 Relentless vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Bell 525 Relentless and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters optimized for vertical access and short‑range missions. The Bell 525 is the longer‑legged and higher‑capacity of the two, typically carrying around 16 passengers with a range on the order of 500–600 nautical miles, while the MD 902 generally seats about 6–8 passengers with a shorter range roughly in the 300–400 nautical mile class, depending on configuration and reserves. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane aimed at rugged, short‑field operations. It commonly carries 9–14 passengers and offers a midrange capability around 900–1,200 nautical miles, trading speed and luxury for simplicity and versatility. The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range VIP airliner derived from the 737 MAX 9. It far exceeds the others in range—often cited around 6,000+ nautical miles with auxiliary tanks—and can be configured for a few dozen up to well over 100 passengers, though typical BBJ interiors prioritize space and amenities over maximum seating.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Boeing |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | BBJ MAX 9 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 6376 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 35 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 77120 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 470 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $107,700,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.74 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 1.97 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 7,396 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 35 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | LEAP-1B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 28000 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 138.4 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 11.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 7.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 107.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 40.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 1485 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 117.9 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 10.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 100.6 |