AW169 vs S-92
The S-92 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Leonardo Helicopters AW169 (introduced 2015) 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
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
AW169 vs S-92: the key differences
- The S-92 delivers 25% more range (AW169: 430 nm; S-92: 539 nm).
- The S-92 delivers 4% more cruise speed (AW169: 145 kt; S-92: 151 kt).
- The S-92 delivers 90% more passenger capacity (AW169: 10 seats; S-92: 19 seats).
- The AW169 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2004 for the S-92), a gap of 11 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 10,630 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 AW169 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.
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AW169 vs S-92: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the AW169 or the S-92?
The S-92 has the longer published range — 539 nm versus 430 nm for the AW169.
Does the AW169 or S-92 seat more passengers?
The S-92 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 10 on the AW169.
Which is faster, the AW169 or the S-92?
The S-92 cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 145 kt for the AW169.
Which is newer, the AW169 or the S-92?
The AW169 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2004 for the S-92.
Is the AW169 or the S-92 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-92 is the larger aircraft — 26,500 lbs versus 10,630 lbs for the AW169.
Should I buy the AW169 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 AW169 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 AW169 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.