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.
| 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 |