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Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Robinson R66

The Bell 525 Relentless and Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 sit in the large/heavy twin‑engine class aimed at offshore, corporate, and high‑utility missions, while the Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter best suited to shorter regional hops, private use, and lighter commercial roles. In range, the 525 and AW189 generally offer broadly comparable, long legs typical of offshore-capable twins, with mission profiles that can support extended overwater operations and reserve requirements; the R66’s practical range is notably shorter and more sensitive to payload and fuel tradeoffs. Passenger capacity also separates them clearly: the 525 and AW189 are commonly configured to carry around the mid‑teens of occupants depending on layout, whereas the R66 typically carries a small group, usually one pilot plus four passengers. Overall, the 525 and AW189 compete closely as higher-capacity, longer-endurance twins, while the R66 prioritizes lower operating cost and simplicity over maximum range and seat count.

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