Bell 407gxi vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Bell 407GXi and Robinson R66 are light single‑engine helicopters, typically used for training, utility work, and short‑to‑medium missions, while the Sikorsky S‑76D is a larger, twin‑engine, medium helicopter aimed at offshore transport, executive travel, and higher‑duty commercial operations. In range, the 407GXi and R66 are broadly comparable in the “few hundred nautical miles” class for practical missions, with the 407GXi often offering somewhat stronger high/hot performance margins, while the S‑76D generally provides longer legs and better all‑weather, multi‑engine redundancy for demanding routes. Passenger capacity also separates them: the R66 commonly carries a pilot plus up to four passengers; the 407GXi typically carries a pilot plus up to five passengers; and the S‑76D is usually configured for two pilots with a larger cabin that can seat around eight passengers, depending on interior and mission equipment. Overall, the R66 emphasizes simplicity and lower operating cost, the 407GXi balances capability and payload in the light class, and the S‑76D prioritizes speed, comfort, and mission robustness.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | ROBINSON R66 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $ 3.49 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Robinson Helicopters | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | R66 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 350 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | 1355 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $ 384 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | Gyro / Analog | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 110 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $ 920,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | Yes |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | RR300 | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 300 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | 73.6 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | 38.3 | 52.5 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | 11.4 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | 33 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | 50 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | 18 | — |