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Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Sikorsky S 92

The Bell 525 Relentless and Sikorsky S-92 are medium-class twin‑engine helicopters, while the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter, and the Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane. In typical configurations, the Bell 525 seats about 16 passengers (plus pilots) and is designed for missions on the order of roughly 500–600 nautical miles. The Sikorsky S-92 is larger, commonly arranged for about 19 passengers, and offers a broadly similar medium‑range profile, often around 500+ nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The MD 902 Explorer is more compact, generally carrying about 6–7 passengers and flying shorter legs, commonly in the ~300–400 nautical mile range. The TBM 960, as a fast fixed‑wing aircraft, trades vertical lift for speed and efficiency; it typically carries 4–6 passengers and offers the longest range of the group, roughly around 1,400–1,700 nautical miles depending on conditions and reserves. Overall, the helicopters emphasize access and offshore/utility capability, while the TBM emphasizes point‑to‑point range and cruise efficiency from runways.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessDaher TBM 960Sikorsky S-92
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew212
Total Seats18621
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellDaher TBMSikorsky
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessTBM 960S-92
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)5801730439
Max Cabin Seats1619
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)667529087417
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 $30,650,000
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 19.79
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.94
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 3,068
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew212
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 960CT7-8A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400035004000
Horsepower18008502520
No. of Engines21
Fuel Capacity (gal)641760
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)18.1817.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)128140
Wingspan (ft)42.1
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123775