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.
| Spec | Bell 525 Relentless | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | 525 Relentless | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 580 | 1406 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6675 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 4 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000H | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 160 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,000,000 | $3,081,400 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 2.19 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.55 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 603 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | CT7-2F1 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1800 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 641 | 260 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 55 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 61.58 | 29.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.58 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.5 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 18.18 | 11.3 |
| 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 |