Bell 525 Relentless

The Bell 525 Relentless is a medium-lift helicopter developed by Bell Textron. The Bell 525 was unveiled in February 2012 at the 2012 Heli-Expo in Dallas, Texas. The helicopter took to the skies for the first time on July 1, 2015. It can accommodate up to 19 passengers. Bell 525 Relentless is among the most expensive helicopters at $15 million.

The Bell 525's first flight was scheduled for late 2014. The Bell 525 prototype first flew in July 2015, after a six-month delay. Bell predicted that certification would be completed by the end of 2017. In May 2016, the FAA proposed special rules to address the fly-by-wire concept.

The Bell 525 is intended to fit the emerging "Super-Medium" size category, which is ideal for supporting offshore oil and gas operations. That industry accounts for half of all customers. The Airbus Helicopters H175 and the AgustaWestland AW189 are both in development in the same class. The 525 will be certified at maximum gross weight in Category A Takeoff class. This entails continuing a takeoff (or landing) after one of the helicopter's two turbine engines fails at any point.

Bell 525 Relentless should be able to carry 19 passengers, which is more than any other super-medium helicopter currently on the market. It is intended for two pilots and 16 passengers in the standard configuration, and two pilots and 20 passengers in the high-density seating configuration.

Price: $15 million