Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Bell 525 Relentless is a twin‑engine large helicopter aimed at offshore and corporate transport, typically carrying about 16 passengers in a high‑density layout (fewer in VIP) with a range around 560–600 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter suited to EMS, law enforcement, and utility/VIP roles, generally accommodating about 8–10 passengers with a range roughly 300–350 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet focused on faster, longer point‑to‑point travel; it typically seats 8–9 passengers (up to about 12 maximum) and offers a range near 2,100 nautical miles, far exceeding the helicopters. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop in the personal/business aircraft category, usually carrying 5–6 passengers with a range around 1,400 nautical miles. Overall, the XLS+ leads on range and speed, the M600 SLS balances range with lower operating complexity, and the 525 and 902 trade range for vertical lift and access to remote or confined landing sites.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Cessna Citation | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | XLS+ | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 1906 | 1406 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 7540 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 430 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $15,500,000 | $3,081,400 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 5.34 | $ 2.19 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.67 | $ 0.55 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,303 | $ 603 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 10 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 9 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 8 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | MID |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 25230 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | No |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | PW545C | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — | 260 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 52.5 | 29.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 5.5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 5.7 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 18.5 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 17.2 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 80 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 56.3 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 165 |