AIR.ONE

Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Bell 525 Relentless is a fly-by-wire super‑medium helicopter aimed at executive and offshore missions. It typically carries around 12–16 passengers depending on configuration, and its practical range is roughly in the 500–600 nautical mile class. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a lighter twin helicopter with a smaller cabin; it commonly seats about 8–10 passengers and offers a shorter range, generally around 300–400 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel. It normally seats about 8–9 passengers in executive layouts (up to around 12 in higher‑density arrangements) and has a range on the order of about 1,900–2,100 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet with a large cabin and rough/short‑field capability; it typically carries 6–8 passengers (up to about 10) and reaches roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles. Overall, the jets deliver far more range and speed, while the helicopters trade range for vertical access and localized flexibility.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessCessna Citation XLS+Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats18106
Flight RulesIFR——
ManufacturerBellCessna CitationPilatus
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessXLS+PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)58019062076
Max Cabin Seats16910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)667575406680
Standard Cabin Seats1686
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HRockwell Collins Pro Line 21Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160430440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$15,500,000$11,800,000
DOC / nm—$ 5.34$ 3.71
DOC / nm / Seat—$ 0.67$ 0.62
Direct Operating Cost—$ 2,303$ 1,619
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats18106
Max Cabin Seats16910
Standard Cabin Seats1686
Lavatory—1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Flushing
Crew Rest—NoNo
Jump Seat—NoNo
Galley Location—FWDFWD
Lavatory Location—AFTFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)—9.39.3
Galley / Refreshment—GalleyOptional Refreshment Center
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—2523023500
Cargo Door——Yes
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYesYes
ModelCT7-2F1PW545CFJ44-4A-QPM
Fuel TypeJetFuel——
TBO (hrs)400050005000
Horsepower1800——
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)641——
Flat Rating—ISA + 10ISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)—41193435
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77——
Length (ft)61.5852.552.2
Cabin Width (ft)7.585.55.6
Cabin Height (ft)4.55.75.1
Cabin Length (ft)15.518.523
Overall Height (ft)18.1817.217.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5——
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12880—
Wingspan (ft)—56.355.8
Aisle Step (ft)—0.7Flat Floor
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)—3.93.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)—14.317
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)—1090