AIR.ONE

Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Robinson R66

The Bell 525 Relentless is a large, twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore, corporate, and utility missions. It carries the most people of the group, typically accommodating around 16 passengers depending on configuration, and offers long helicopter range (roughly in the 500–600+ nautical mile class) with higher cruise speeds than smaller rotorcraft. The Enstrom 480B is a light, single‑engine piston helicopter primarily for training, patrol, and personal/utility use; it typically seats about 4–5 occupants and has comparatively short range, commonly around 200–300 nautical miles depending on fuel and payload. The Robinson R66 is a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter for private, touring, and light utility work; it typically carries about 4–5 occupants and generally flies farther than the 480B, often around 300–350 nautical miles. The Daher TBM 960 is not a helicopter but a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop airplane; it typically seats 4–6 and delivers the longest range of the four, commonly around 1,500+ nautical miles, making it the best fit for fast, long cross‑country travel.

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 TypeTurbo Prop
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56
Direct Operating Cost$ 744
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats186
Max Cabin Seats16
Standard Cabin Seats164
LavatoryNo
Galley LocationMID
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 RatingISA + 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