Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Bell 412EPi and Leonardo AW139 sit in the medium twin category, typically chosen for utility, EMS, offshore, and government roles. The AW139 generally offers the longest range and highest useful cabin volume of the group, with a typical passenger capacity around 12–15, while the 412EPi is commonly configured for about 10–13 and offers solid medium-range performance. The Sikorsky S-76D is also a medium twin but more oriented to premium transport and high-speed missions; it usually carries about 8–12 passengers and delivers long-range capability comparable to the upper end of this set. The Robinson R66 is a light single, optimized for lower operating cost and shorter missions; it typically carries 4–5 passengers with shorter range than the twins. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single and the smallest here, often configured for about 4–5 seats, with generally shorter range and payload than the R66 and far less than the medium twins. Actual range and seating vary by configuration, reserves, and mission equipment.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | ROBINSON R66 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 11.69 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.49 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | AW139 | MD 500E | R66 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 573 | 258 | 350 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 | 3 | — | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | 4701 | 1483 | 1355 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 | 2 | 3 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 1,929 | $ 398 | $ 384 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 165 | 135 | 110 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 12,500,000 | $15,900,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 920,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 | 3 | — | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 | 2 | 3 | 10 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Model | PT6T-9 | PT6C-67C | 250-C20B | RR300 | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 3500 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 1679 | 420 | 300 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | — | 35 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | 414 | 64 | 73.6 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 33 | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 54.7 | 30.9 | 38.3 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 16.4 | 8.7 | 11.4 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | 54.7 | 26.4 | 33 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 282 | — | 50 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 120 | — | 18 | — |