Bell 525 Relentless vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters optimized for short-to-medium missions, vertical access, and regional point-to-point travel. The Bell 525 is a larger, newer-generation helicopter typically configured for roughly 12–16 passengers in VIP/utility layouts, with a practical range around 500–600 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The MD 902 is smaller, commonly seating about 8–10, and generally offers a shorter range, often around 300–400 nautical miles, emphasizing agility, lower operating footprint, and urban/EMS-style flexibility. The Dassault Falcon 8X and Boeing BBJ MAX 9 are long-range business jets aimed at intercity and intercontinental travel. The Falcon 8X is a purpose-built large-cabin business jet, typically carrying about 8–16 passengers in executive comfort, with range on the order of 6,400 nautical miles. The BBJ MAX 9 is a corporate airliner platform: it can be outfitted for high-capacity or lavish VIP use, often carrying a few dozen passengers in executive configurations, and offers intercontinental range typically cited around 6,000–6,600 nautical miles, trading airport flexibility for cabin volume and group transport capability.
| 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 |