AIR.ONE

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.

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