Bell 525 Relentless vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are rotorcraft aimed at point-to-point missions with vertical access, while the Dassault Falcon 8X is a long-range business jet optimized for fast intercity and intercontinental travel; the Enstrom 480B is a lighter utility helicopter typically used for training, patrol, and short-range transport. By range, the Falcon 8X is in a different class, offering roughly 6,400 nautical miles, enabling nonstop transoceanic legs. The Bell 525 typically delivers on the order of the high-400s to around 500 nautical miles, depending on load and reserves, while the MD 902 is generally in the 300–400 nautical mile bracket. The Enstrom 480B is usually shorter-range than the larger twins, commonly around the mid-200 nautical mile range. Passenger capacity similarly separates the jet from the helicopters. The Falcon 8X commonly seats 12–16 passengers in executive layouts. The Bell 525 is typically configured for about 12–16 seats. The MD 902 usually carries about 7–8 occupants total. The Enstrom 480B is typically a 5-seat helicopter including the pilot.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 6450 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 14 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 7.66 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.64 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 3,805 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 14 |
| Lavatory | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 10.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 29200 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | PW307D |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 80.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 42.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 26.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 86.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1695 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 |