Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters, while the Daher TBM 960 and Pilatus PC-24 are fixed‑wing turboprops/jet. In category, the Bell 525 is a modern super‑medium twin intended for offshore, corporate, and public missions; the MD 902 is a lighter twin utility helicopter known for its NOTAR anti‑torque system. The TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop optimized for fast owner‑pilot and corporate travel, whereas the PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for longer trips and flexible operations, including shorter or less‑prepared runways. For range, the PC‑24 generally offers the longest legs of the group, suitable for typical light‑jet missions; the TBM 960 is close behind with strong long‑range capability for a turboprop. Both helicopters have shorter ranges than the airplanes, with the Bell 525 typically exceeding the MD 902. For passenger capacity, the PC‑24 usually carries the most in typical business layouts, the Bell 525 can also accommodate sizable cabins depending on configuration, the TBM 960 commonly seats around six passengers plus a pilot, and the MD 902 is typically configured for fewer than the Bell 525.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Daher TBM | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | TBM 960 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 1730 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 2908 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 4 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Garmin G3000 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 330 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $4,450,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 2.25 | $ 3.71 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.56 | $ 0.62 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 744 | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 4 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Galley Location | — | MID | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 6.2 | 9.3 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 | 23500 |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | TBM 960 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | 850 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 49 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 35.3 | 52.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 4 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 13.4 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | — | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 42.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 90 |