Bell 525 Relentless vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Robinson R66
The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 sit in the super‑medium class, aimed at offshore, corporate, and high‑utilization missions. Both offer the longest range in this group and the highest passenger capacity, typically configured for around 16–19 passengers depending on layout, with ranges commonly in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class (often roughly 450–500+ nm with reserves, mission dependent). The AW189 is widely in service today, while the 525 is a newer design still progressing through certification and entry‑into‑service timelines. The Enstrom 480B is a light turbine helicopter, generally used for utility, training, patrol, and short‑haul work. Its passenger capacity is much lower, typically about 4–5 seats, and its range is moderate, commonly around the low‑to‑mid‑300 nm class depending on fuel and payload. The Robinson R66 is also a light turbine, optimized for simplicity and operating cost. It usually carries about 4–5 people and offers a similar moderate range, often roughly 300+ nm, but with less payload and cabin volume than the Enstrom in many configurations.
| 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 |