Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Bell 525 Relentless is a large, fly-by-wire twin‑engine helicopter aimed at corporate and offshore missions, offering long helicopter range (roughly in the 500–600 nautical mile class) and typically seating about 12–16 passengers depending on layout. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet rather than a helicopter; it trades vertical landing for much higher cruise speed and longer overall trip capability, with a typical range around 2,000 nautical miles and usually 7–9 passengers in executive configuration. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine utility helicopter focused on cost and simplicity; it has much shorter range (roughly 250–350 nautical miles) and generally carries about 4–5 people including the pilot. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter (NOTAR anti‑torque system) commonly used for public safety and utility work; it sits between the Enstrom and Bell 525 in capability, with moderate range (often ~300–400 nautical miles) and typical seating around 7–8.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 1906 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $15,500,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 5.34 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.67 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,303 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 25230 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | PW545C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 52.5 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 18.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 17.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 80 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 |