Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Airbus Helicopters H160, Bell 429 GlobalRanger, and Sikorsky S‑76D all sit in the light-to-medium twin‑engine civil helicopter space, but they emphasize slightly different mission profiles. The H160 is commonly positioned as a modern medium twin for offshore, corporate/VIP, and high-end EMS or public service roles, generally offering a longer typical range than the Bell 429 and often comparable or somewhat better than an S‑76D depending on configuration and reserves. The Bell 429 is a light twin optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and utility/corporate missions; it typically has the shortest range of the three but is efficient and flexible for shorter regional work. The S‑76D is a medium twin strongly associated with offshore and executive transport; it typically offers strong cruise performance and a mid-to-long range that often rivals the H160 in practical use. In passenger capacity, the Bell 429 is usually configured for about 6–7 passengers, while the H160 and S‑76D more often seat roughly 8–12 depending on interior and mission fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 429 GlobalRanger | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 365 | 441 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 10 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 148 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $7,500,000 | $14,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 6.29 | $ 11.49 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.79 | $ 0.96 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 931 | $ 1,781 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PW207D1 | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 1100 | 1077 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 43 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 13.25 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 36 | 44 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | — |