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Bell 525 Relentless vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66

The Bell 525 Relentless and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, corporate, and public‑service missions, while the Robinson R66 is a lighter single‑engine turbine helicopter oriented toward utility, training, and private transport, and the Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine fixed‑wing turboprop designed for personal and business travel with pressurization and higher cruise efficiency. In range, the Piper M600 SLS generally offers the longest real-world cross‑country capability among these aircraft, typically around the 1,000+ nautical mile class depending on reserves and loading. The Bell 525 and MD 902 fall into a mid‑range helicopter bracket suitable for regional missions, with the 525 generally exceeding the 902. The Robinson R66 usually has the shortest range of the four. For passenger capacity, the Bell 525 is the largest, typically configured for about a dozen-plus occupants depending on interior and mission. The MD 902 commonly seats around 8–10 including the pilot. The Robinson R66 is a 5‑seat helicopter. The Piper M600 SLS typically seats 5–6.

SpecBell 525 RelentlessPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats186
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBellPiper
Aircraft Name525 RelentlessM600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)5801406
Max Cabin Seats16
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)66752200
Standard Cabin Seats164
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000HGarmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)160274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,000,000$3,081,400
DOC / nm$ 2.19
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats185
Max Cabin Seats16
Standard Cabin Seats164
LavatoryNo
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.6
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNo
ModelCT7-2F1PT6A-42A
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40003600
Horsepower1800600
No. of Engines21
Fuel Capacity (gal)641260
Flat RatingISA + 55
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.77
Length (ft)61.5829.7
Cabin Width (ft)7.584.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.54
Cabin Length (ft)15.512.3
Overall Height (ft)18.1811.3
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)128
Wingspan (ft)43.2
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)20