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Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189

The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 are medium helicopters, optimized for point-to-point access where runways aren’t available. Both typically carry around 16–19 passengers depending on configuration, but their practical range is shorter than fixed-wing aircraft, generally on the order of roughly 500–700 nautical miles, varying significantly with payload, reserves, and mission profile. The Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance single‑engine turboprop airplane in the personal and utility category. It is far faster and longer‑legged than the helicopters, with a typical range around 1,400–1,700 nautical miles, but it carries fewer people, usually 4–6 passengers (up to about 6–7 seats total depending on layout). The Dassault Falcon 8X is a large-cabin, ultra‑long‑range business jet. It offers by far the greatest range, roughly 6,000+ nautical miles, and a typical passenger load around 12–16 in executive layouts (with higher maximums possible). In short, helicopters prioritize access and flexibility, the TBM 960 prioritizes efficient speed for small groups, and the Falcon 8X prioritizes intercontinental range and cabin space.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessDaher TBM 960Dassault Falcon 8XAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit2222
Min Crew2121
Total Seats1861721
Flight RulesIFRIFR—IFR
ManufacturerBellDaher TBMDassault FalconLeonardo
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessTBM 9608XAW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)58017306450651
Max Cabin Seats16—1619
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)6675290836900—
Standard Cabin Seats1641419
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HGarmin G3000Honeywell Primus EASy IIEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160330516155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$4,450,000$ 62,500,000$2,413,000
DOC / nm—$ 2.25$ 7.66$ 15.57
Aircraft Type—Turbo Prop——
DOC / nm / Seat—$ 0.56$ 0.64$ 0.74
Direct Operating Cost—$ 744$ 3,805$ 2,413
Cabin
Cockpit2232
Min Crew2121
Total Seats1861721
Max Cabin Seats16—1619
Standard Cabin Seats1641419
Lavatory—No2 Enclosed Flushing—
Galley Location—MIDFWD—
Cabin Pressure (psi)—6.210.2—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—1439029200—
Crew Rest——No—
Jump Seat——Yes—
Lavatory Location——FWD / AFT—
Galley / Refreshment——Galley—
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)——3900—
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYesYesYes
ModelCT7-2F1TBM 960PW307DCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuel——JetFuel
TBO (hrs)40003500On-Condition4000
Horsepower1800850—1983
No. of Engines2—32
Fuel Capacity (gal)641———
Flat Rating—ISA + 49ISA + 17—
Thrust (lbs)——6722—
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77———
Length (ft)61.5835.380.257.8
Cabin Width (ft)7.5847.7—
Cabin Height (ft)4.54.16.2—
Cabin Length (ft)15.513.442.7—
Overall Height (ft)18.18—26.116.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5——48
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)128——85
Wingspan (ft)—42.186.3—
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)—1231695395
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)——6.3—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)——29.2—
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)——140—