Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 are medium-class twin‑engine helicopters, typically used for offshore, EMS, and corporate shuttle missions. Both trade speed and range against the ability to land vertically; in general terms, their practical ranges are in the few-hundred–nautical‑mile class, and passenger capacity commonly falls around the low‑ to mid‑teens depending on cabin layout. The AW189 is often configured to carry slightly more passengers in utility/offshore layouts, while the Bell 525 targets a higher-speed, longer‑range “super‑medium” profile for VIP and offshore roles. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane optimized for rugged, short-field operations. It generally offers longer range than the helicopters and carries roughly 9 to 14 passengers depending on configuration, but requires a runway or prepared strip. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light jet aimed at fast regional travel. It typically has the greatest cruise speed and range of the four (about the 1,000+ nautical mile class) with executive seating commonly around 6 to 10, prioritizing speed and comfort over maximum headcount.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | AW189 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 651 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 155 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 23500 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | 1983 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 57.8 | 52.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | — | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 16.6 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | 48 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 85 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 90 |