MD 500E vs S-92
The S-92 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) 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. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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MD 500E vs S-92: the key differences
- The S-92 delivers 132% more range (MD 500E: 232 nm; S-92: 539 nm).
- The S-92 delivers 13% more cruise speed (MD 500E: 134 kt; S-92: 151 kt).
- The S-92 delivers 280% more passenger capacity (MD 500E: 5 seats; S-92: 19 seats).
- The S-92 is the newer design (introduced 2004 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 22 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 3,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the MD 500E runs 1 engine against 2 on the S-92 — 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-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 MD 500E 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
MD 500E vs S-92: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the MD 500E or the S-92?
The S-92 has the longer published range — 539 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the MD 500E or S-92 seat more passengers?
The S-92 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the MD 500E or the S-92?
The S-92 cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 134 kt for the MD 500E.
Which is newer, the MD 500E or the S-92?
The S-92 is the newer design, introduced in 2004 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the MD 500E or the S-92 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-92 is the larger aircraft — 26,500 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the MD 500E 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 MD 500E 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 MD 500E 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.