S-76D vs S-92
The S-92 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Sikorsky S-76D (introduced 2012) 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. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
S-76D vs S-92: the key differences
- The S-92 delivers 31% more range (S-76D: 411 nm; S-92: 539 nm).
- The S-76D delivers 3% more cruise speed (S-76D: 155 kt; S-92: 151 kt).
- The S-92 delivers 46% more passenger capacity (S-76D: 13 seats; S-92: 19 seats).
- The S-76D 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 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 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 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.
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S-76D vs S-92: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the S-76D or the S-92?
The S-92 has the longer published range — 539 nm versus 411 nm for the S-76D.
Does the S-76D or S-92 seat more passengers?
The S-92 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 13 on the S-76D.
Which is faster, the S-76D or the S-92?
The S-76D cruises faster, at 155 kt versus 151 kt for the S-92.
Which is newer, the S-76D or the S-92?
The S-76D is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2004 for the S-92.
Is the S-76D or the S-92 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the S-92 is the larger aircraft — 26,500 lbs versus 11,700 lbs for the S-76D.
Should I buy the S-76D 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 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 S-76D 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.