Bell 525 Relentless vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189
The Bell 525 Relentless is a super-medium helicopter aimed at offshore and VIP missions, typically carrying around 16–19 passengers in high-density layouts (fewer for executive) with an approximate range on the order of 500–600 nautical miles. The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 is a comparable super-medium helicopter, generally configured for about 16–19 passengers, with a similar range band of roughly 450–600 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves. The Enstrom 480B is a much smaller light single-turbine helicopter used for utility, training, or personal transport; it usually carries 4–5 occupants with a range typically around 250–350 nautical miles. By contrast, the Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long-range business jet based on the 737 MAX 9 airliner; it carries far more people—commonly 25–50 in business/VIP layouts (or well over 100 in airline-style seating)—and offers dramatically greater range, roughly 3,000–3,500+ nautical miles depending on configuration and auxiliary tanks. Overall, the BBJ MAX 9 dominates in range and capacity, while the 525 and AW189 prioritize vertical lift and offshore capability, and the 480B serves short-range small-party needs.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 12 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Boeing | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | BBJ MAX 9 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 6376 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 35 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 77120 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 470 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $107,700,000 | $2,413,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.74 | $ 15.57 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 1.97 | $ 0.74 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 7,396 | $ 2,413 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 35 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 19 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | LEAP-1B | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 28000 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 138.4 | 57.8 |
| 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 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 1485 | 85 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 117.9 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 10.7 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 100.6 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 395 |