Bell 222 vs Bell 430
The Bell 222 and 430 are predecessor and successor light twins — the 222 is the 1980s sleek twin (the first US commercial light twin of its kind); the 430 is the stretched, more powerful development with a four-blade rotor and more cabin.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 222 | Bell 430 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $695,000 – $950,073 | $1,275,000 – $1,850,000 |
| Category | Twin Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 10 kts (19 km/h) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $420,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $160,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $750 |
| Engines | — | 2 x Turbo-shaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 222
Bell 430
Fuel$330/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$160,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$310,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 222 or Bell 430?
Bottom line: Choose the 430 for more power, a larger cabin and the smoother four-blade rotor. Choose the 222 only for the lowest entry into a Bell light twin, accepting older systems, thinner support and higher per-hour cost.
Pick the 222 if…
- Budget matters — from $695,000 vs $1,275,000, you save ~$580,000.
- More inventory — 5 listings vs 4.
Pick the 430 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 2.
- Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1982.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bell 222 or Bell 430?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 222 cruises at 10 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 430: from $1,850,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 222 and Bell 430?
430 engine: Rolls Royce 250-C40B.
Seats: 2 vs 10.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
430: about $750/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
222: 2 seats.
430: 10 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
430: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$420,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data