H160 vs S-92
The S-92 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H160 (introduced 2021) against the Sikorsky S-92 (introduced 2004) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the S-92 carries more passengers. undefined
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H160 vs S-92: the key differences
- The S-92 delivers 25% more range (H160: 430 nm; S-92: 539 nm).
- The S-92 delivers 1% more cruise speed (H160: 150 kt; S-92: 151 kt).
- The S-92 delivers 58% more passenger capacity (H160: 12 seats; S-92: 19 seats).
- The H160 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2004 for the S-92), a gap of 17 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The S-92 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (26,500 lbs versus 13,228 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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-92 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-92 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H160 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.
H160 vs S-92: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H160 or the S-92?
The S-92 has the longer published range — 539 nm versus 430 nm for the H160.
Does the H160 or S-92 seat more passengers?
The S-92 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 12 on the H160.
Which is faster, the H160 or the S-92?
The S-92 cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 150 kt for the H160.
Which is newer, the H160 or the S-92?
The H160 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2004 for the S-92.
Is the H160 or the S-92 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-92 is the larger aircraft — 26,500 lbs versus 13,228 lbs for the H160.
Should I buy the H160 or the S-92?
On published specifications the S-92 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H160 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 H160 vs S-92?
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.