Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters, while the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane and the Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet. In range, the PC‑24 generally leads, commonly flown around 2,000 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, making it the strongest option for longer point‑to‑point trips. The Bell 525 typically offers midrange helicopter reach (roughly in the 500–600 nautical mile class), while the MD 902 is shorter‑legged (often around the 300–400 nautical mile class). The Grand Caravan EX usually sits between the helicopters and the jet, commonly around the 900–1,000 nautical mile class, varying with load and conditions. For passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX can carry the most in typical commuter configurations, often up to about 9–14 seats depending on layout. The Bell 525 is commonly arranged for about 12–16 passengers, the MD 902 typically around 6–8, and the PC‑24 generally seats about 6–10 in executive layouts.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 3.71 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.62 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 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 |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 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 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | — |
| 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 |