AIR.ONE

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.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessCessna Citation XLS+AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats181021
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellCessna CitationLeonardo
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessXLS+AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)5801906651
Max Cabin Seats16919
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)66757540
Standard Cabin Seats16819
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HRockwell Collins Pro Line 21EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160430155
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
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats181021
Max Cabin Seats16919
Standard Cabin Seats16819
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)25230
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYesYes
ModelCT7-2F1PW545CCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400050004000
Horsepower18001983
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Flat RatingISA + 10
Thrust (lbs)4119
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5852.557.8
Cabin Width (ft)7.585.5
Cabin Height (ft)4.55.7
Cabin Length (ft)15.518.5
Overall Height (ft)18.1817.216.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.548
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1288085
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