Bell 525 Relentless vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Dassault Falcon 8x
The Bell 525 Relentless is a fly-by-wire, super‑medium helicopter focused on point-to-point access where runways are unavailable. Its typical practical range is roughly 500–600 nautical miles, and it generally carries about 10–16 passengers depending on cabin layout and mission equipment. The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a large, long‑range VIP airliner derivative aimed at intercontinental travel with significant cabin volume. In executive configuration it commonly accommodates roughly 25–50 passengers (and can be arranged for more), with range typically around 6,000–6,500 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, purpose‑built business jet optimized for nonstop city pairs and access to shorter runways than an airliner. It usually seats about 8–16 passengers in luxury layouts, with a published range around 6,450 nautical miles. In short, the 525 prioritizes vertical access and short-to-medium legs, the Falcon 8X balances intercontinental range with business-jet flexibility, and the BBJ MAX 9 emphasizes maximum cabin space and airline-like comfort over larger-airport operations.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 12 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Boeing | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | BBJ MAX 9 | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 6376 | 6450 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 35 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 77120 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 14 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 470 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $107,700,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.74 | $ 7.66 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 1.97 | $ 0.64 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 7,396 | $ 3,805 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 35 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 14 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | 10.2 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | 29200 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD / AFT |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 3900 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | LEAP-1B | PW307D |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 28000 | 6722 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 138.4 | 80.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 11.6 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 7.1 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 107.2 | 42.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 40.3 | 26.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 1485 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 117.9 | 86.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 10.7 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 100.6 | 29.2 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 1695 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 |