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Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 are both large, modern, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and executive/VIP missions, generally offering mid-to-high teen passenger layouts. Typical range for each is in the roughly 450–500+ nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves, with the AW189 often quoted around the high‑400 nm range and the 525 in a similar bracket. The MD 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter (NOTAR) primarily used for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work, usually seating about 6–8 passengers (or fewer with medical gear) and commonly having a shorter range, roughly around 300–400 nautical miles. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is not a helicopter but a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing utility aircraft. It typically carries about 9–14 passengers depending on seating and certification, and it generally offers longer point‑to‑point range than these rotorcraft, commonly around 900–1,000+ nautical miles, though exact figures vary by payload and conditions.

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