Bell 412epi vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Bell 412EPi is a medium twin‑engine utility helicopter typically used for public safety, offshore support, and general transport. It generally offers the greatest cabin volume and payload flexibility of the three, with seating commonly around 10–13 passengers depending on configuration. Its range is typically in the mid‑300 nautical mile class, varying with fuel options and mission profile. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter aimed at lower operating cost and simpler missions such as private travel, training, and light commercial work. It carries fewer people—typically 4 passengers plus a pilot—and usually has the shortest range of the group, commonly around the low‑300 nautical mile class under favorable conditions. The Sikorsky S‑76D is a high‑end twin‑engine intermediate helicopter optimized for corporate/VIP and offshore transport, emphasizing speed, refinement, and avionics. Passenger seating is commonly about 8–12 depending on interior layout. Its range is generally comparable to or greater than the Bell 412EPi, often in the upper‑300 nautical mile class, again depending on configuration.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | ROBINSON R66 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 3.49 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 5 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Robinson Helicopters | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | R66 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 350 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | — | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | 1355 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 3 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 384 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Gyro / Analog | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 110 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 12,500,000 | $ 920,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 5 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | — | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 3 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | Yes |
| Model | PT6T-9 | RR300 | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 300 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | 73.6 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 33 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 38.3 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 11.4 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | 33 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 50 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 18 | — |