Bell 525 Relentless vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters, while the Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine fixed‑wing business jet, so they fit different mission categories. The Bell 525 targets offshore, corporate, and utility transport with longer helicopter legs; it is commonly cited around a roughly 560 nautical mile range and typically accommodates about 16 passengers depending on layout. The MD 902 is a lighter utility/corporate helicopter with a shorter typical range, often around 300–350 nautical miles, and usually carries about 8–10 occupants including crew, again depending on configuration. The Pilatus PC‑24 is aimed at business and air ambulance roles and, as a jet, offers far greater point‑to‑point reach and speed; it is commonly listed around 2,000 nautical miles of range with a typical executive seating of about 8–10 passengers (higher in commuter-style layouts). Overall, the helicopters trade speed and range for vertical access, while the PC‑24 trades landing flexibility for much longer range.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 3.71 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.62 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 52.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 128 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 |