Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is typically positioned as a light twin helicopter optimized for short- to medium-range missions such as EMS, utility, and light corporate transport. In standard passenger transport fit it generally carries around 8 to 9 passengers (depending on interior and fuel), with a practical range that commonly sits in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, making it well suited to regional point-to-point flying rather than long sectors. The Leonardo AW169 sits in the intermediate/light‑medium class and is commonly configured for about 8 to 10 passengers. It is often chosen when operators want a step up in cabin volume and performance versus light twins, while still retaining good operating economics. Its typical range is also in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, often comparable to or somewhat greater than an H145 depending on configuration. The Sikorsky S‑76D is generally considered a medium twin with a strong offshore and executive pedigree. It is often arranged for roughly 8 passengers in executive or offshore layouts, and it tends to offer longer legs than the other two, with typical ranges reaching the upper mid-hundreds of nautical miles depending on tanks, payload, and reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 11.84 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | AW169 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 440 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,658 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 140 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $9,450,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW210A | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1000 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 48.1 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 14.8 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | — | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 49.5 | — |