407GXi vs S-76D
The S-76D leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) and the Sikorsky S-76D (introduced 2012) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. 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. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
407GXi vs S-76D: the key differences
- The S-76D delivers 25% more range (407GXi: 330 nm; S-76D: 411 nm).
- The S-76D delivers 17% more cruise speed (407GXi: 133 kt; S-76D: 155 kt).
- The S-76D delivers 86% more passenger capacity (407GXi: 7 seats; S-76D: 13 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2012 for the S-76D), a gap of 6 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 5,250 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 407GXi 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 407GXi 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.
407GXi vs S-76D: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 407GXi or the S-76D?
The S-76D has the longer published range — 411 nm versus 330 nm for the 407GXi.
Does the 407GXi or S-76D seat more passengers?
The S-76D carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 7 on the 407GXi.
Which is faster, the 407GXi or the S-76D?
The S-76D cruises faster, at 155 kt versus 133 kt for the 407GXi.
Which is newer, the 407GXi or the S-76D?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2012 for the S-76D.
Is the 407GXi or the S-76D the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-76D is the larger aircraft — 11,700 lbs versus 5,250 lbs for the 407GXi.
Should I buy the 407GXi 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 407GXi 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 407GXi 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.