AW139 vs S-76D
The AW139 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 (introduced 2003) against the Sikorsky S-76D (introduced 2012) 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 range, where the AW139 has the advantage. 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.
AW139 vs S-76D: the key differences
- The AW139 delivers 39% more range (AW139: 573 nm; S-76D: 411 nm).
- The AW139 delivers 8% more cruise speed (AW139: 167 kt; S-76D: 155 kt).
- The AW139 delivers 15% more passenger capacity (AW139: 15 seats; S-76D: 13 seats).
- The S-76D is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 2003 for the AW139), a gap of 9 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW139 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (14,991 lbs versus 11,700 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 AW139 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 AW139 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The S-76D 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.
AW139 vs S-76D: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the AW139 or the S-76D?
The AW139 has the longer published range — 573 nm versus 411 nm for the S-76D.
Does the AW139 or S-76D seat more passengers?
The AW139 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 15 seats, compared with 13 on the S-76D.
Which is faster, the AW139 or the S-76D?
The AW139 cruises faster, at 167 kt versus 155 kt for the S-76D.
Which is newer, the AW139 or the S-76D?
The S-76D is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2003 for the AW139.
Is the AW139 or the S-76D the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW139 is the larger aircraft — 14,991 lbs versus 11,700 lbs for the S-76D.
Should I buy the AW139 or the S-76D?
On published specifications the AW139 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The S-76D 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 AW139 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.