H125 vs S-76D
The S-76D leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H125 (introduced 2015) beside the Sikorsky S-76D (introduced 2012) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the S-76D carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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H125 vs S-76D: the key differences
- The S-76D delivers 23% more range (H125: 335 nm; S-76D: 411 nm).
- The S-76D delivers 19% more cruise speed (H125: 130 kt; S-76D: 155 kt).
- The S-76D delivers 117% more passenger capacity (H125: 6 seats; S-76D: 13 seats).
- The H125 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2012 for the S-76D), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The S-76D is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (11,700 lbs versus 4,960 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H125 runs 1 engine against 2 on the S-76D — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the S-76D seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the S-76D leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H125 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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H125 vs S-76D: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H125 or the S-76D?
The S-76D has the longer published range — 411 nm versus 335 nm for the H125.
Does the H125 or S-76D seat more passengers?
The S-76D carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 6 on the H125.
Which is faster, the H125 or the S-76D?
The S-76D cruises faster, at 155 kt versus 130 kt for the H125.
Which is newer, the H125 or the S-76D?
The H125 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2012 for the S-76D.
Is the H125 or the S-76D the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-76D is the larger aircraft — 11,700 lbs versus 4,960 lbs for the H125.
Should I buy the H125 or the S-76D?
On published specifications the S-76D leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H125 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the H125 vs S-76D?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.