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Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters, optimized for vertical access and short-hop flexibility, while the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX and Cessna Citation XLS+ are fixed‑wing aircraft aimed at point‑to‑point travel efficiency. In passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX typically carries the most in airline-style utility service (commonly up to about 9–14 depending on configuration and rules), the Citation XLS+ is usually arranged for roughly 8–9 passengers in a business cabin, the Bell 525 commonly seats around 12–16 in typical layouts, and the MD 902 generally carries about 7–8. For range, the Citation XLS+ leads by a wide margin with roughly ~2,000+ nautical miles class capability, making it best for longer nonstop business trips. The Grand Caravan EX sits mid-pack at roughly ~900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and reserves, suited to regional and remote routes. The Bell 525 is typically around ~500–600 nautical miles class, and the MD 902 shorter still at roughly ~300–400 nautical miles class, reflecting helicopter endurance limits and mission profiles.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessCessna Citation XLS+
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew22
Total Seats1810
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerBellCessna Citation
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessXLS+
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)5801906
Max Cabin Seats169
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)66757540
Standard Cabin Seats168
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HRockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160430
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$15,500,000
DOC / nm$ 5.34
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.67
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,303
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew22
Total Seats1810
Max Cabin Seats169
Standard Cabin Seats168
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)25230
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYes
ModelCT7-2F1PW545C
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40005000
Horsepower1800
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Flat RatingISA + 10
Thrust (lbs)4119
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5852.5
Cabin Width (ft)7.585.5
Cabin Height (ft)4.55.7
Cabin Length (ft)15.518.5
Overall Height (ft)18.1817.2
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12880
Wingspan (ft)56.3
Aisle Step (ft)0.7
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.9
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.3
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10