429 vs S-92
The S-92 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Bell Textron 429 (introduced 2009) 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. 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.
429 vs S-92: the key differences
- The S-92 delivers 31% more range (429: 411 nm; S-92: 539 nm).
- The S-92 delivers 1% more cruise speed (429: 150 kt; S-92: 151 kt).
- The S-92 delivers 138% more passenger capacity (429: 8 seats; S-92: 19 seats).
- The 429 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 2004 for the S-92), a gap of 5 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 7,000 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 429 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.
More comparisons
429 vs S-92: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 429 or the S-92?
The S-92 has the longer published range — 539 nm versus 411 nm for the 429.
Does the 429 or S-92 seat more passengers?
The S-92 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 8 on the 429.
Which is faster, the 429 or the S-92?
The S-92 cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 150 kt for the 429.
Which is newer, the 429 or the S-92?
The 429 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 2004 for the S-92.
Is the 429 or the S-92 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-92 is the larger aircraft — 26,500 lbs versus 7,000 lbs for the 429.
Should I buy the 429 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 429 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 429 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.