AIR.ONE

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.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats1821
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellLeonardo
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessAW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)580651
Max Cabin Seats1619
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)6675
Standard Cabin Seats1619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160155
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
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats1821
Max Cabin Seats1619
Standard Cabin Seats1619
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYes
ModelCT7-2F1CT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower18001983
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5857.8
Cabin Width (ft)7.58
Cabin Height (ft)4.5
Cabin Length (ft)15.5
Overall Height (ft)18.1816.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.548
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12885
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395