Bell 407 vs Robinson R44
The Robinson R44 and Bell 407 are very different machines often shortlisted by buyers stepping up in capability. The four-seat R44 is a low-cost piston single; the seven-seat Bell 407 is a powerful turbine workhorse used in EMS, utility and corporate roles.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 407 | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,000,000 – $4,700,000 | $23,292 – $899,999 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 260 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 133 kts (246 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 330 nm (611 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 131.0 gal (496 L) | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $550 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 407
Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$210,000/yr
Robinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Robinson R44?
Bottom line: the R44 wins decisively on acquisition and operating cost. The Bell 407 wins on seats, payload, cruise speed and turbine performance. Choose the R44 for affordable private flying; choose the 407 when you need turbine capability and a large cabin for commercial work.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 330 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1993.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $23,292 vs $2,000,000, you save ~$1,976,708.
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $550/hr.
- More inventory — 478 listings vs 42.
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 407 or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range.
The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 407 and Robinson R44?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
Seats: 7 vs 4.
Cruise: 133 vs 110 kts.
Range: 330 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
407: about $550/hr variable cost.
R44: about $200/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?
407: 7 seats / 2,347 lb useful load.
R44: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load.
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?
407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
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