AW109 GrandNew vs S-92
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Leonardo Helicopters AW109 GrandNew (introduced 2012) and the Sikorsky S-92 (introduced 2004) 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-92 carries more passengers. undefined
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AW109 GrandNew vs S-92: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 4% more range (AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm; S-92: 539 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew and S-92 are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 151 kt.
- The S-92 delivers 138% more passenger capacity (AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats; S-92: 19 seats).
- The AW109 GrandNew is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 2004 for the S-92), a gap of 8 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 6,283 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?
Choose the AW109 GrandNew when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the S-92 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW109 GrandNew holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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AW109 GrandNew vs S-92: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the AW109 GrandNew or the S-92?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 539 nm for the S-92.
Does the AW109 GrandNew or S-92 seat more passengers?
The S-92 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 8 on the AW109 GrandNew.
Which is newer, the AW109 GrandNew or the S-92?
The AW109 GrandNew is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2004 for the S-92.
Is the AW109 GrandNew or the S-92 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-92 is the larger aircraft — 26,500 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the AW109 GrandNew.
Should I buy the AW109 GrandNew or the S-92?
Choose the AW109 GrandNew when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the S-92 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW109 GrandNew holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the AW109 GrandNew 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.