Inside The $20 Million Bell 525 Relentless 

Inside The $20 Million Bell 525 Relentless Helicopter
0:00 - Intro
This is the Bell 525 Relentless, the first commercial helicopter with a fly-by-wire system. Stay with us till the end of the video because here is everything you need to know about the Bell 525 Relentless.
0:38 - Cabin
Entry to the cabin is through a pair of hinged doors located between the cockpit and the first of four seating areas or through two large aft sliding doors. The cabin size itself is impressive, bigger than what you’ll find on most corporate jets, and provides a capacious interior that rivals even some of the more spacious offerings in the super-medium class.
The cabin door ensures easy accessibility for passengers and crew, even when handling large equipment or cargo.
The cabin can be configured in a myriad of ways, suitable for both utility and VIP operations. With the standard utility setup, the cabin comfortably seats up to 16 passengers, plus 2 crew. In the VIP configuration, the focus shifts towards maximum comfort and luxury, accommodating 8 to 12 passengers with amenities that include individual climate control, extra legroom, and customizable interior decor.
From a material perspective, the cabin showcases an amalgam of synthetic leather, aerospace-grade aluminum, and composite materials.
The Cabin Management System is fully integrated into the avionics, enabling passengers to control a variety of functions from lighting to climate settings, all through a touch-screen interface. In-flight entertainment options, satellite communication, and Wi-Fi connectivity are other tech amenities that modernize the passenger experience.
The interior noise level is approximately 80 decibels.
In terms of safety, the cabin is designed with crash-worthy seats, clearly marked emergency exits, and fire-resistant materials to ensure maximum protection for the occupants.
3:36 - Cockpit
The first thing you'll notice as you step into the cockpit is its spaciousness. It follows an intuitively designed side-by-side seating arrangement.
The cockpit is built around the Garmin G5000H Integrated Avionics Suite. The system is built around four 14-inch MFDs, which are customizable and can show a variety of flight information ranging from navigational maps to engine monitoring data.
The Garmin G5000H suite employs touchscreen technology. However, for those who prefer the tactile feel of knobs and buttons, manual controls are available as a backup, providing the best of both worlds.
The avionics suite is also equipped with Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology, providing a 3D representation of the terrain, and obstacles.
An essential safety feature incorporated into the system is the Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning System, which offers both aural and visual warnings if the aircraft is approaching terrain that poses a threat.
The Bell 525 comes with an advanced Flight Management System that allows for pre-programmed routes, auto-hover, and waypoints, among other functionalities.
Another highlight is the Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring System, which continuously tracks and records vital aircraft performance metrics.
For seamless communication, the cockpit is equipped with a satellite communication system and supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
6:08 - Engine, Performance Specs, and Flying Experience
Now, let’s talk about the engine, performance specifications, and how it flies. The aircraft is powered by two GE CT7-2F1 engines with a TBO of 4,000 hours, each capable of delivering 1,950 shaft horsepower. With an initial climb rate per minute of 1,500 feet or 457 meters, the aircraft ascends with agility and purpose.
The maximum service ceiling is quite impressive as well, at 20,000 feet or 6,100 meters.
With a maximum cruise speed of 160 knots, the aircraft isn't just fast for a rotorcraft; it competes favorably with some turboprop airplanes. With an average hourly fuel burn of approximately 85 gallons or 322 liters, the Bell 525 offers a maximum range of 575 nautical miles, which is 661 miles or 1,065 kilometers.
When it comes to payload, the full-fuel payload is 4,000 pounds or 1,814 kilograms, and the maximum net payload is 7,400 pounds or 3,357 kilograms.
9:06 - Purchase and Charter Price
The base purchase price for a new Bell 525 Relentless is $20 million before options, and the charter price is estimated at $3,000 to $4,000 per hour. Naturally, prices will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees, and more.
9:25 - Operating Cost
While the annual fixed cost is roughly $250,000 to $400,000, the average hourly operating cost is estimated at $1,500 to $2,000.
9:36 - Outro
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