The Top 10 Longest-Range Civilian Helicopters for 2026

Helicopters continue to play a vital role across multiple industries, from offshore energy operations to emergency medical services and executive transport. One of the most critical performance metrics for operators is range, which is the maximum distance a helicopter can travel on a single tank of fuel. As of 2026, these are the top 10 longest-range civilian helicopters, providing industry-leading capabilities and efficiency.

Table of Contents

• 10. Bell 429 (420 Miles)
• 9. Airbus H155 (515 Miles)
• 8. Airbus H160 (528 Miles)
• 7. Leonardo AW169 (563 Miles)
• 6. Sikorsky S-92 (621 Miles)
• 5. Leonardo AW189 (621 Miles)
• 4. Bell 525 (727 Miles)
• 3. Sikorsky S-76D (747 Miles)
• 2. AgustaWestland AW139 (777 Miles)
• 1. Airbus H175 (807 Miles)
• Honorable Mention: Airbus H225 (832 Miles)
• Range and Speed Comparison
• Emerging Technologies and Future Developments for 2026
  • Leonardo AW609 TiltRotor
  • Airbus Racer
  • Leonardo NGCTR
  • Airbus H140
• When Range Matters…

10. Bell 429 (420 Miles)

• Range: 420 miles (675 km)
• Speed: 173 mph (278 km/h)
• Altitude: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)
• Capacity: 7 passengers + 2 pilots

The Bell 429 is a light, twin-engine helicopter known for its versatility and performance. It is commonly used for corporate transport, medical evacuation, and law enforcement missions. The helicopter features advanced avionics, including a fully integrated glass cockpit with touch-screen controls and a four-axis autopilot. Its efficient design and powerful engines provide excellent performance and fuel efficiency. The Bell 429‘s spacious cabin can be configured for various mission needs, while its smooth and quiet ride ensures passenger comfort. Its reliability and ease of operation make it a popular choice among operators.

9. Airbus H155 (515 Miles)

• Range: 515 miles (830 km)
• Speed: 201 mph (324 km/h)
• Altitude: 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
• Capacity: 13 passengers + 2 pilots

The Airbus H155, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC155, is renowned for its speed, range, and luxury. This medium-lift helicopter is a popular choice for VIP transport and corporate use, featuring a spacious, customizable cabin that ensures maximum comfort. The H155 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including a four-axis autopilot, which enhances flight safety and reduces pilot workload. Its advanced aerodynamics and five-blade Spheriflex main rotor contribute to a smooth and quiet ride, making it ideal for long-distance travel. The helicopter’s reliability and performance have made it a favorite among operators worldwide.

8. Airbus H160 (528 Miles)

• Range: 528 miles (850 km)
• Speed: 183 mph (295 km/h)
• Altitude: 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
• Capacity: 12 passengers

The Airbus H160 is a state-of-the-art helicopter designed to meet the needs of various sectors, including corporate transport, emergency medical services, and offshore operations. The H160 features advanced aerodynamics with its Blue Edge rotor blades, which significantly reduce noise and vibration, providing a smoother and quieter ride. Its Helionix avionics suite includes a full glass cockpit with touch-screen controls and advanced autopilot systems, enhancing flight safety and operational efficiency. The H160‘s spacious cabin offers flexible seating arrangements and large windows for improved visibility and passenger comfort. Its efficient design and powerful engines ensure excellent performance and fuel efficiency, making it a versatile and reliable choice for long-distance missions.

7. Leonardo AW169 (563 Miles)

• Range: 563 miles (907 km)
• Speed: 174 mph (280 km/h)
• Altitude: 18,600 feet (5,670 meters)
• Capacity: 10 passengers + 2 pilots

The Leonardo AW169 is a modern, multi-role helicopter that offers excellent performance and safety. It is suitable for various missions, including medical services, law enforcement, and offshore operations. The helicopter features a spacious cabin with large windows, providing better visibility and natural light. Its advanced avionics include a full glass cockpit and a four-axis autopilot, enhancing operational safety and efficiency. The AW169‘s powerful engines and efficient design ensure superior performance and fuel efficiency. Its versatility and reliability make it a valuable asset for operators requiring a high-performance helicopter for diverse applications.

6. Sikorsky S-92 (621 Miles)

• Range: 621 miles (1,000 km)
• Speed: 190 mph (306 km/h)
• Altitude: 18,000 feet (5,485 meters)
• Capacity: 19 passengers + 2 pilots

The Sikorsky S-92 is a trusted heavy-lift helicopter primarily used for offshore oil transportation, search and rescue, and VIP transport. It features a spacious, quiet cabin designed for comfort during long flights. The S-92 is equipped with advanced avionics and safety systems, including an enhanced ground proximity warning system. Its robust airframe and powerful twin engines enable reliable operation in challenging environments.

5. Leonardo AW189 (621 Miles)

• Range: 621 miles (1,000 km)
• Speed: 193 mph (311 km/h)
• Altitude: 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
• Capacity: 16 passengers + 2 pilots

The Leonardo AW189 is optimized for long-range missions, offering a spacious, reconfigurable cabin suitable for offshore transport, search and rescue, and executive transport. Its advanced avionics suite includes a glass cockpit, synthetic vision, and autopilot systems for enhanced safety and efficiency. The AW189‘s powerful engines and high-performance rotors provide excellent lift capabilities, even in hot and high conditions. The helicopter’s superior range and payload capacity make it an ideal choice for operators requiring versatility and reliability in demanding environments.

4. Bell 525 (727 Miles)

• Range: 727 miles (1,170 km)
• Speed: 178 mph (287 km/h)
• Altitude: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)
• Capacity: 16 passengers + 2 pilots

The Bell 525 Relentless is a technologically advanced helicopter designed for a variety of missions, including corporate transport, search and rescue, and oil and gas support. It features fly-by-wire flight controls, which improve handling and reduce pilot workload. The helicopter’s advanced Garmin G5000H avionics suite includes a fully integrated glass cockpit with touch-screen controls, enhancing situational awareness and safety. The Bell 525‘s spacious cabin offers flexible seating arrangements and can be customized to meet specific mission requirements. Its combination of speed, range, and comfort makes it a standout in the super-medium class of helicopters.

3. Sikorsky S-76D (747 Miles)

• Range: 747 miles (1,203 km)
• Speed: 178 mph (287 km/h)
• Altitude: 14,000 feet (4,267 meters)
• Capacity: 12 passengers + 2 pilots

The Sikorsky S-76D is a versatile medium-sized helicopter used for executive transport, emergency medical services, and offshore operations. It features Pratt & Whitney PW210S engines that provide excellent performance and fuel efficiency. The S-76D’s advanced avionics include a full glass cockpit and a four-axis autopilot, which enhance safety and ease of operation. The helicopter’s quiet and comfortable cabin can be configured to accommodate various mission needs. Its enhanced range and reliability make it a top choice for operators seeking a high-performance helicopter for diverse applications.

2. AgustaWestland AW139 (777 Miles)

• Range: 777 miles (1,250 km)
• Speed: 190 mph (306 km/h)
• Altitude: 20,000 feet (6,096 meters)
• Capacity: 15 passengers + 2 pilots

The AW139 is renowned for its reliability and performance. It is widely used in various sectors, including law enforcement, medical evacuation, and corporate transport. The helicopter offers a perfect balance of speed, range, and capacity. Its spacious cabin can be easily reconfigured for different missions, while its advanced avionics and safety features, such as a full glass cockpit and autopilot, enhance operational efficiency. The AW139‘s powerful engines and high-performance rotors provide excellent lift and maneuverability, making it suitable for challenging environments and high-altitude operations.

1. Airbus H175 (807 Miles)

• Range: 807 miles (1,300 km)
• Speed: 196 mph (315 km/h)
• Altitude: 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
• Capacity: 16 passengers + 2 pilots

The Airbus H175 is designed for both passenger transport and offshore missions. It offers a spacious cabin with modern amenities, including large windows for better visibility and natural light. The helicopter’s advanced aerodynamics and powerful engines ensure superior performance, while its Helionix avionics suite provides enhanced safety features such as 4-axis autopilot and synthetic vision. The H175 is known for its smooth ride and low noise levels, making it comfortable for long-distance flights. Its versatility and reliability make it a preferred choice for operators in the oil and gas industry, search and rescue, and VIP transport.

Honorable Mention: Airbus H225 (832 Miles)

• Range: 832 miles (1,338 km)
• Speed: 201 mph (324 km/h)
• Altitude: 19,000 feet (5,791 meters)
• Capacity: 24 passengers + 2 pilots

The H225 Super Puma is a heavy-lift helicopter designed for demanding missions such as offshore transport and search and rescue. Its long range and high payload capacity make it a valuable asset for long-distance operations. The helicopter features advanced avionics and safety systems, including a full glass cockpit, autopilot, and enhanced ground proximity warning system. The H225‘s powerful engines and robust airframe allow it to operate in harsh weather conditions and challenging environments. Its spacious and comfortable cabin can accommodate a large number of passengers or cargo, making it highly versatile.

Range and Speed Comparison

Emerging Technologies and Future Developments for 2026

Leonardo AW609 TiltRotor – Approaching Certification

• Range: 863 miles (1,389 km)
• Speed: 316 mph (509 km/h)
• Altitude: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)
• Capacity: 9 passengers

The AW609 TiltRotor continues its certification journey with the FAA. As of early 2025, the aircraft began Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flights—a critical milestone marking the formal start of certification flight testing. The AW609 represents a groundbreaking aircraft that combines the speed and range of a fixed-wing airplane with the vertical lift capability of a helicopter. It is ideal for VIP transport, medical missions, and offshore operations, offering unparalleled performance and flexibility.

The AW609 features a pressurized cabin designed for comfort at high altitudes. Its digital VFR/IFR avionics and triple-redundant fly-by-wire controls enhance pilot situational awareness and safety. The aircraft is designed for efficiency at 25,000 feet, allowing it to overcome challenging distances swiftly. While certification has been a lengthy process spanning over two decades, the aircraft is now in the final stages, with FAA certification anticipated in 2025-2026. Once certified, the AW609 will revolutionize civilian helicopter capabilities with its unique ability to combine fixed and rotary-wing performance.

Airbus Racer – High-Speed Demonstrator

• Range: 530 miles (850 km)
• Speed: 248 mph (400 km/h)
• Altitude: 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
• Capacity: 8 passengers

The Airbus Racer (Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) is a hybrid helicopter demonstrator that achieved significant milestones in 2024-2025. After its maiden flight in May 2024, the Racer exceeded its speed target of 220 knots, reaching 240 knots (444 km/h) in April 2025. The demonstrator showcases innovative technologies including box-wing design, lateral pusher propellers, and an Eco-Mode system that can pause one engine during cruise flight for fuel savings.

The Racer demonstrates up to 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption compared to conventional helicopters in the same weight category. While the Racer itself is a demonstrator and not intended for production, Airbus has stated that the technologies pioneered by this aircraft will inform future production helicopter designs. The program is part of Europe’s Clean Aviation initiative, with more than 40 partners from 13 countries contributing to its development.

Leonardo Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor (NGCTR)

In December 2025, Leonardo successfully completed the first flight of its Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor Technology Demonstrator (NGCTR-TD) at its facility near Milan. This advanced demonstrator builds upon the AW609 program and incorporates five key innovative technologies:

• Advanced wing architecture with morphing surfaces
• Thermoplastic V-tail for improved handling
• Non-tilting engine installation (unlike the AW609)
• Advanced modular flight control system
• State-of-the-art composite construction

The NGCTR targets a cruise speed of 280 knots (520 km/h) and a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 km). Maturation of these technologies could lead to a new tiltrotor program for service entry in the 2030s, representing the next generation beyond the AW609.

Airbus H140 – Coming in 2028

Airbus Helicopters unveiled the H140 during the 2025 Verticon exhibition. This new light twin-engine helicopter in the 3-ton class is scheduled to enter service in 2028. The H140 will bridge the gap between the smaller H135 and larger models in Airbus’s lineup, making it ideal for emergency medical services, law enforcement, and private transportation. The H140 is designed with advanced avionics, fuel-efficient engines, and a focus on sustainability, representing Airbus’s commitment to next-generation helicopter technology.

When Range Matters…

The top civilian helicopters with the longest range offer exceptional capabilities and safety features, making them ideal for a wide range of missions. These long-range helicopters range in size from light-medium to heavy-duty and can carry anywhere from seven to 24 passengers, depending on the model. When choosing a helicopter for a particular mission, it’s important to consider factors including range, payload capacity, speed, altitude capability, and operating costs, to ensure the best fit for your needs.

As we move into 2026, the helicopter industry stands at an exciting crossroads. Traditional helicopters continue to set benchmarks in range and reliability, while revolutionary technologies like tiltrotors and compound helicopters promise to redefine what’s possible in rotary-wing aviation. The helicopters listed above represent some of the best options available on the market today for those seeking exceptional range capabilities, with even more impressive capabilities on the horizon.