Bell 525 Relentless vs Dassault Falcon 8x 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 Dassault Falcon 8X and Pilatus PC-24 are business jets, so their range and capacity reflect very different mission profiles. The Falcon 8X is a long‑range, large‑cabin intercontinental jet, typically carrying about 12–16 passengers with an advertised range around 6,450 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC-24 is a smaller “super versatile” light jet aimed at shorter missions and rougher-field flexibility, typically seating about 6–10 passengers with range roughly around 2,000 nautical miles (depending on load and reserves). Among the helicopters, the Bell 525 is a modern, higher-capability super‑medium class rotorcraft often configured for about 12–16 passengers, with a range roughly in the 500–600 nautical mile class. The MD 902 Explorer is a lighter utility helicopter commonly configured for about 7–10 occupants including crew, with range typically around 300–400 nautical miles. Overall, the jets dominate in range, while the helicopters trade endurance for vertical access and point-to-point flexibility.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Dassault Falcon 8X | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 17 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Dassault Falcon | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | 8X | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 6450 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 36900 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 14 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 7.66 | $ 3.71 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.64 | $ 0.62 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 3,805 | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 17 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 16 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 14 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 10.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 29200 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | PW307D | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 80.2 | 52.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 7.7 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 42.7 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 26.1 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 86.3 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1695 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |