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.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 155 |
| 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 | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 57.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 85 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |