AIR.ONE

Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are turbine helicopters aimed at multi-mission or corporate utility, while the Enstrom 480B is a smaller turbine helicopter often positioned for training, patrol, and light utility; the Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing aircraft optimized for fast personal and business travel. For range, the TBM 960 generally offers the longest legs by a wide margin, typically around the 1,000+ nautical mile class depending on power settings and reserves, whereas the Bell 525 is a long‑range helicopter commonly cited in the mid‑500+ nautical mile class. The MD 902 Explorer tends to sit below the 525, often around the low‑to‑mid 400 nautical mile class, and the Enstrom 480B is usually shorter still, roughly in the 300+ nautical mile class. In passenger capacity, the Bell 525 is the largest here, typically configured around 12–16 seats. The MD 902 commonly seats about 8–10. The Enstrom 480B is usually 5 seats. The TBM 960 is typically 4–6 seats in executive layouts.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessDaher TBM 960
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats186
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellDaher TBM
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessTBM 960
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)5801730
Max Cabin Seats16—
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)66752908
Standard Cabin Seats164
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HGarmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160330
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$4,450,000
DOC / nm—$ 2.25
Aircraft Type—Turbo Prop
DOC / nm / Seat—$ 0.56
Direct Operating Cost—$ 744
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats186
Max Cabin Seats16—
Standard Cabin Seats164
Lavatory—No
Galley Location—MID
Cabin Pressure (psi)—6.2
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—14390
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYes
ModelCT7-2F1TBM 960
Fuel TypeJetFuel—
TBO (hrs)40003500
Horsepower1800850
No. of Engines2—
Fuel Capacity (gal)641—
Flat Rating—ISA + 49
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77—
Length (ft)61.5835.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.584
Cabin Height (ft)4.54.1
Cabin Length (ft)15.513.4
Overall Height (ft)18.18—
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)128—
Wingspan (ft)—42.1
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)—123