AIR.ONE

Bell 525 Relentless vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Piper M600 Sls

The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters, while the Piaggio Avanti EVO and Piper M600 SLS are fixed‑wing turboprops. For range, the Avanti EVO generally leads among these, offering roughly 1,700–1,800 nautical miles depending on reserves and configuration, making it the strongest choice for longer city‑pair trips. The Piper M600 SLS is also long‑legged for its class at about 1,400–1,500 nautical miles, aimed at owner‑pilot or small executive missions. Helicopters trade range for vertical access: the Bell 525 is typically around 500–600 nautical miles and the MD 902 about 300–400 nautical miles, well suited to offshore, EMS, and point‑to‑point access where runways are unavailable. Passenger capacity follows mission and cabin volume: the Bell 525 is usually configured for roughly 12–16 passengers, the MD 902 commonly carries about 7–8, the Avanti EVO typically seats 7–9, and the M600 SLS is usually 5–6 seats (including the pilot).

SpecBell 525 RelentlessPiaggio Avanti EVOPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats1886
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellPiaggioPiper
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessAvanti EVOM600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)58015301406
Max Cabin Seats167
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)667537752200
Standard Cabin Seats1664
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HRockwell Collins Pro Line 21Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160400274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$ 7,695,000$3,081,400
DOC / nm$ 2.19
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats1885
Max Cabin Seats167
Standard Cabin Seats1664
LavatoryNoNo
Cabin Pressure (psi)95.6
Galley / RefreshmentNoRefreshment Centre
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2400012600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)66008644
Galley LocationMID
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelYesNo
ModelCT7-2F1PT6A–66BPT6A-42A
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400036003600
Horsepower1800850600
No. of Engines221
Fuel Capacity (gal)641260
Flat RatingISA + 28ISA + 55
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5847.329.7
Cabin Width (ft)7.586.14.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.55.84
Cabin Length (ft)15.514.912.3
Overall Height (ft)18.1813.111.3
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)128
Wingspan (ft)47.143.2
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.220
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165