Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter commonly used for EMS, police, training, and short-range corporate missions, while the Sikorsky S-76D is a larger, medium-class twin aimed more squarely at executive transport and offshore support with a higher emphasis on speed, payload, and cabin comfort. In typical configurations, the H135 carries about 5 to 7 passengers (depending on interior and mission fit), whereas the S-76D generally accommodates around 8 passengers in an executive layout, with room for more in higher-density arrangements. Range also tends to favor the S-76D: the H135 is usually suited to shorter legs, often on the order of roughly 300–350 nautical miles depending on fuel and payload, while the S-76D more commonly offers roughly 400–450 nautical miles under comparable assumptions, again varying with reserves, winds, and equipment. Overall, the H135 fits missions where smaller footprint and lower operating costs matter most, while the S-76D better matches longer, higher-capacity premium transport.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 296 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — |