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Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw169

The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW169 sit in different helicopter classes, so their strengths are not directly interchangeable. The Bell 525 is a larger, super‑medium twin designed for higher payload, longer legs, and demanding missions such as offshore transport. The AW169 is a lighter, intermediate twin optimized for versatility and efficiency across EMS, law enforcement, corporate shuttle, and light offshore roles. In range terms, the 525 is generally positioned to fly farther with more usable payload, reflecting its bigger fuel and performance margins, while the AW169 typically offers a shorter overall reach but can be very competitive on many regional sectors, especially when configured for specific mission equipment. Passenger capacity also separates them: the 525 is aimed at carrying a larger passenger load in a cabin sized for offshore-style seating, whereas the AW169 usually carries fewer passengers, trading cabin volume and maximum load for lower operating costs and easier access to smaller landing sites. Configuration choices, reserves, and mission kits can materially change real-world numbers for both.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats1812
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellLeonardo
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessAW169
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)580440
Max Cabin Seats1610
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)6675
Standard Cabin Seats1610
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000 $9,450,000
DOC / nm$ 11.84
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,658
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats1812
Max Cabin Seats1610
Standard Cabin Seats1610
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYes
ModelCT7-2F1PW210A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower18001000
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)641
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5848.1
Cabin Width (ft)7.58
Cabin Height (ft)4.5
Cabin Length (ft)15.5
Overall Height (ft)18.1814.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12849.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)222.5