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.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 1730 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 4 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 330 |
| 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 | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 6.2 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | TBM 960 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 49 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 35.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 13.4 |
| 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 |