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Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo

The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are helicopters, while the Daher TBM 960 and Piaggio Avanti EVO are pressurized fixed‑wing turboprops. In category terms, the Bell 525 is a large, long‑range corporate/offshore transport helicopter, whereas the MD 902 is a lighter twin‑engine utility/corporate helicopter often used for EMS, law enforcement, and short business hops. For range, the fixed‑wing turboprops generally lead: the TBM 960 and Avanti EVO are typically suited to longer point‑to‑point trips than either helicopter, with the Avanti often offering strong cruise efficiency and the TBM emphasizing fast, single‑pilot business travel. The Bell 525, however, is a long‑range helicopter and can cover substantially more distance than the MD 902, especially with typical corporate seating. Passenger capacity differs notably: the TBM 960 is usually configured for about 4–6 passengers plus pilot, the Avanti EVO commonly carries around 6–8, the MD 902 typically seats about 5–7 including pilot, and the Bell 525 can be configured for higher counts, often around 12–16 depending on layout.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessDaher TBM 960Piaggio Avanti EVO
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats1868
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellDaher TBMPiaggio
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessTBM 960Avanti EVO
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)58017301530
Max Cabin Seats167
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)667529083775
Standard Cabin Seats1646
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HGarmin G3000Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160330400
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$4,450,000$ 7,695,000
DOC / nm$ 2.25
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56
Direct Operating Cost$ 744
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats1868
Max Cabin Seats167
Standard Cabin Seats1646
LavatoryNoNo
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.29
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)1439024000
Galley / RefreshmentNo
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6600
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYesYes
ModelCT7-2F1TBM 960PT6A–66B
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400035003600
Horsepower1800850850
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Flat RatingISA + 49ISA + 28
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5835.347.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.5846.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.54.15.8
Cabin Length (ft)15.513.414.9
Overall Height (ft)18.1813.1
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)128
Wingspan (ft)42.147.1
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.2