AIR.ONE

Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Robinson R66

The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo AW189 sit in the super‑medium class, aimed at offshore, SAR, and high‑utilization corporate transport. Both typically offer the longest legs in this group, with practical ranges broadly in the 450–500+ nautical mile class depending on fit and reserves, and cabin layouts commonly around 16–19 passengers (or fewer with VIP/mission equipment). The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a smaller light twin, optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work; it generally trades cabin volume and endurance for lower operating weight, with typical range around the 300–400 nautical mile class and seating usually in the 6–8 passenger range. The Robinson R66 is a light single, geared toward owner-operators, training, light utility, and short executive hops; it carries about 4 passengers plus a pilot (five total seats) and typically offers roughly 300 nautical miles of range class, again varying with fuel, payload, and conditions. Overall, 525/AW189 prioritize capacity and reach, the 902 balances twin‑engine flexibility with smaller size, and the R66 emphasizes simplicity and cost.

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