Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw139
Both the Bell 525 Relentless and the Leonardo AW139 are twin‑engine, IFR-capable helicopters commonly positioned in the super‑medium/medium‑twin space, but they emphasize slightly different roles. The Bell 525 is generally marketed as a super‑medium with a strong offshore and executive tilt, aiming for longer legs and higher cruise performance for its class. The AW139 is a widely fielded medium twin used across offshore energy, EMS, SAR, law enforcement, and VIP transport, with a mature global support footprint. On range, the Bell 525 is typically presented with a longer advertised range capability than the AW139 in comparable configurations, making it attractive for missions that prioritize fewer fuel stops or longer overwater segments, though real‑world range depends heavily on payload, reserves, and cabin fit. On passenger capacity, both can be configured for VIP or utility seating; the AW139 is commonly arranged around 12 to 15 passengers, while the 525 is often cited in a similar low‑teens cabin count, with layouts varying by operator needs and regulatory limits.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 573 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 15 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $15,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 11.69 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.69 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,929 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 15 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | 414 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | 54.7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | 120 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 282 |