AIR.ONE

Bell 525 Relentless vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Robinson R66

The Bell 525 Relentless is a twin‑engine, fly‑by‑wire helicopter aimed at corporate and offshore missions. It sits in a much higher category than the other two, carrying a larger cabin load and typically seating about 16 passengers (with configurations varying by operator). Its range is roughly in the 500–600 nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves, optimized for lifting capability and flexibility rather than pure point‑to‑point speed. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop airplane designed for fast, efficient cross‑country travel. It generally seats 4 to 6 occupants and delivers the longest range of the three, commonly around 1,400–1,700 nautical miles depending on power settings, payload, and IFR reserves, making it the best fit for long nonstop trips between runways. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine helicopter for private, utility, and training use. It typically carries about 4 passengers plus a pilot (around 5 total) and has a shorter range than the TBM and typically less than the Bell 525, commonly around 300–350 nautical miles depending on conditions and configuration.

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