Airbus Helicopters H215 vs Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Airbus Helicopters H215, H225, and Sikorsky S‑92 are all medium-to-heavy twin‑engine helicopters commonly used for offshore transport, SAR, and utility missions. The H215 (Super Puma family) typically sits at the lower end of the three in overall capability and is often positioned as a cost-effective medium/heavy utility option; it generally offers shorter range than the other two, with typical mission ranges roughly in the 400–500 nautical mile class depending on fit and reserves, and cabin seating commonly in the high‑teens to around 20 passengers in offshore-style layouts. The H225 (EC225) is a larger, more capable derivative aimed strongly at offshore and long-range missions; it usually provides the longest reach of the Airbus pair, often around the 450–600 nautical mile class, and typically carries about 19–24 passengers depending on configuration. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a direct peer to the H225 in the heavy offshore category, with comparable range—often about 450–550 nautical miles—and similar passenger capacity, commonly around 19 passengers in offshore configurations (with higher-density layouts possible). Actual figures vary by cabin layout, fuel tanking, payload, weather, and regulatory reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H215 | AIRBUS H225 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 19.07 | $ 20.87 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H215 | H225 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 468 | 454 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.91 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 22 | 28 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 8903 | 11929 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,708 | $ 2,963 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 142 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $27,500,000 | $ 29,500,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 22 | 28 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 1A1 | Makila 2A1 | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1820 | 2100 | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 540 | 684 | 760 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 61.4 | 63.4 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.2 | 16.3 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 51.2 | 53.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 473.9 | 547 | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 |