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Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189

The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 are both modern, medium twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore transport, corporate/VIP, and utility missions, while the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine fixed‑wing turboprop optimized for short‑haul regional, cargo, and rugged strip operations. In range terms, the AW189 and Bell 525 are broadly comparable for helicopter missions, with typical real‑world range depending heavily on payload, reserves, and cabin fit; the Bell 525 is often positioned with slightly longer legs in certain configurations, while the AW189 is well established in offshore profiles. The Grand Caravan EX generally offers longer point‑to‑point range than either helicopter and higher cruise efficiency for overland routes, but it requires runways rather than helipads. For passenger capacity, both helicopters commonly seat around the mid‑teens in high‑density layouts, with flexible interiors for fewer passengers plus baggage or medical/mission equipment. The Grand Caravan EX typically carries up to about 9 passengers in commuter configuration, trading cabin volume and simplicity for lower per‑trip capacity than the larger twins.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats1821
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellLeonardo
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessAW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)580651
Max Cabin Seats1619
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)6675
Standard Cabin Seats1619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$2,413,000
DOC / nm$ 15.57
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats1821
Max Cabin Seats1619
Standard Cabin Seats1619
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYes
ModelCT7-2F1CT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower18001983
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5857.8
Cabin Width (ft)7.58
Cabin Height (ft)4.5
Cabin Length (ft)15.5
Overall Height (ft)18.1816.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.548
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12885
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395