Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a light twin-engine helicopter typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work. It sits in the smallest category of the three and generally offers the shortest range, with typical mission planning in the few-hundred–nautical-mile class depending on configuration. Passenger capacity is commonly around 8 to 10 in a standard transport layout, with flexibility for medical interiors. The Leonardo AW169 is a larger, intermediate twin that bridges light and medium segments. Compared with the H145, it usually provides more cabin volume and a higher typical passenger count, often around 8 to 10 with options that can push higher depending on seating and fuel. Its range is generally comparable to, or somewhat greater than, the H145 in typical roles, again varying with tanks, payload, and reserves. The Sikorsky S-92 is a heavy twin designed for offshore and SAR/transport missions. It is in a much larger category, typically carries roughly 19 passengers in offshore seating, and offers the longest range of the three, commonly planned in the mid-to-high hundreds of nautical miles with appropriate reserves and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 11.84 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | AW169 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 440 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | — | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,658 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 140 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $9,450,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW210A | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1000 | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 48.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 14.8 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 222.5 | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 49.5 | 140 |