AIR.ONE

Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane, while the Bell 525 Relentless, Leonardo AW189, and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are helicopters. In category and mission, the TBM 960 is optimized for fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel from runways; the Bell 525 and AW189 are medium twin helicopters aimed at offshore, corporate, and utility roles; the MD 902 is a lighter twin helicopter geared toward EMS, police, and short‑haul corporate use. On range, the TBM 960 generally leads by a wide margin, offering roughly about 1,000–1,700 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The Bell 525 and AW189 typically sit in the middle, commonly around the 450–500+ nautical mile class, again varying with payload and fuel. The MD 902 is usually shorter‑legged, often in the roughly 300–400 nautical mile range. For passenger capacity, the AW189 is typically the largest, commonly configured around 16–19 passengers, with the Bell 525 close behind in similar high‑density layouts. The MD 902 usually seats about 7–8. The TBM 960 typically carries 4–6 passengers plus a pilot in executive seating.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessDaher TBM 960AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats18621
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellDaher TBMLeonardo
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessTBM 960AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)5801730651
Max Cabin Seats1619
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)66752908
Standard Cabin Seats16419
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HGarmin G3000EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160330155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$4,450,000$2,413,000
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 15.57
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.74
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 2,413
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats18621
Max Cabin Seats1619
Standard Cabin Seats16419
LavatoryNo
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.2
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)14390
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYesYes
ModelCT7-2F1TBM 960CT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400035004000
Horsepower18008501983
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Flat RatingISA + 49
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5835.357.8
Cabin Width (ft)7.584
Cabin Height (ft)4.54.1
Cabin Length (ft)15.513.4
Overall Height (ft)18.1816.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.548
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12885
Wingspan (ft)42.1
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123395