Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor vs Sikorsky S 76d

Airbus Helicopters’ H160 and Sikorsky’s S‑76D are conventional medium helicopters, while the Leonardo AW609 is a tiltrotor that trades helicopter-like vertical takeoff for airplane-like cruise efficiency. In category terms, the H160 is a modern, quiet, fly-by-wire-equipped medium twin aimed at corporate, offshore, and public services; the S‑76D is a proven medium twin widely used for executive and offshore transport; the AW609 sits in a distinct tiltrotor category optimized for higher-speed point-to-point travel with VTOL access. For range, the tiltrotor AW609 generally offers the longest legs thanks to efficient wingborne flight, typically around 750–850 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The H160 and S‑76D are shorter-range by comparison, commonly in roughly the 450–500 nautical mile class, again varying with payload and mission fit. Passenger capacity is broadly similar across all three: the H160 and S‑76D typically seat about 12 passengers in high-density layouts (often fewer in executive interiors), while the AW609 is usually configured for about 6–9 passengers, prioritizing speed and range over cabin density.