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Bell 525 Relentless vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Leonardo Aw189

The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 are twin‑engine helicopters aimed at vertical lift missions, while the Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range corporate jet optimized for intercity and intercontinental travel. In category, the 525 is a “super‑medium” helicopter focused on speed, IFR capability, and offshore/corporate transport; the AW189 is a “super‑medium” helicopter known for utility, SAR, and offshore roles with a strong emphasis on payload and cabin flexibility; the BBJ MAX 9 is a large‑cabin business airliner derivative offering jet cruise performance and airline-class systems. For range, the BBJ MAX 9 is in a different league, typically offering roughly 6,000+ nautical miles depending on configuration, whereas the 525 and AW189 are generally in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class, with typical mission ranges roughly around 500–600 nautical miles depending on reserves, payload, and fit. For passenger capacity, the BBJ MAX 9 can carry far more people (often well over 100 in high‑density layouts, or far fewer in VIP interiors), while the 525 typically seats around 16–20 and the AW189 commonly around 16–19 depending on layout.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessBoeing BBJ MAX 9AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew241
Total Seats181221
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellBoeingLeonardo
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessBBJ MAX 9AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)5806376651
Max Cabin Seats163519
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)667577120
Standard Cabin Seats16819
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HHoneywellEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160470155
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
Cockpit222
Min Crew241
Total Seats181021
Max Cabin Seats163519
Standard Cabin Seats16819
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Cabin Pressure (psi)9
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)24000
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYesYes
ModelCT7-2F1LEAP-1BCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000On-Condition4000
Horsepower18001983
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Flat RatingISA + 15
Thrust (lbs)28000
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.58138.457.8
Cabin Width (ft)7.5811.6
Cabin Height (ft)4.57.1
Cabin Length (ft)15.5107.2
Overall Height (ft)18.1840.316.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.548
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)128148585
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