Bell 525 Relentless vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 are large, modern helicopters aimed at offshore, utility, and high-end corporate missions, while the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a much smaller light twin, and the Embraer Legacy 650E is a long-range business jet in a different performance class. In range, the Legacy 650E is far ahead, typically capable of roughly 3,900 nautical miles, making it suited to intercontinental or near-intercontinental trips. The Bell 525 and AW189 are broadly comparable helicopter performers, generally in the several-hundred–nautical-mile class (often around the 450–500 nm neighborhood depending on payload and reserves), intended for regional legs rather than long-haul travel. The MD 902 Explorer is shorter-legged still, typically around 300–350 nm depending on configuration. For passenger capacity, the Legacy 650E commonly seats about 13 in executive layout (more at maximum), the AW189 is often configured around 16–19 passengers in transport roles (fewer in VIP), the Bell 525 is commonly around 16–18 depending on interior, and the MD 902 typically carries about 7–8. Figures vary with cabin layout, fuel, and mission equipment.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $2,413,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.57 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.74 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,413 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 57.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 85 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |