Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Cessna Citation XLS+ is the only fixed‑wing aircraft in this set, so it sits in a different category: a light/midsize business jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel. It typically offers the longest range and highest cruise speed of the four, and usually carries about 8–9 passengers in a standard executive layout. The Bell 525 Relentless is a large, long‑range twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore and corporate transport. Its range is generally shorter than the Citation XLS+ but competitive among modern helicopters, and cabin configurations commonly seat roughly 12–16 passengers depending on layout. The Leonardo AW189 is also a large twin‑engine helicopter, widely used for offshore and SAR/utility missions. It is broadly comparable to the Bell 525 in role and passenger capacity, often around 16–19 passengers, with range in the same general helicopter class (typically below the jet, but strong for a rotorcraft). The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a smaller twin‑engine helicopter oriented toward law enforcement, EMS, and light utility/corporate missions. It has the shortest range and the smallest cabin, typically carrying about 5–7 passengers.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Cessna Citation XLS+ | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Cessna Citation | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | XLS+ | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 1906 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 9 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 7540 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 430 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $15,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 5.34 | $ 15.57 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.67 | $ 0.74 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,303 | $ 2,413 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 9 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 19 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | PW545C | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 52.5 | 57.8 |
| 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 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 80 | 85 |
| 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 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 395 |