Bell 47 vs Robinson R44 Raven I
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell 47 | Robinson R44 Raven I |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $160,000 – $265,000 | $59,000 – $859,478 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 109 kts (202 km/h) |
| Range | — | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 31.0 gal (117 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 47
Robinson R44 Raven I
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 47 or Robinson R44 Raven I?
Pick the 47 if…
Pick the R44 Raven I if…
- Budget matters — from $59,000 vs $160,000, you save ~$101,000.
- More inventory — 114 listings vs 8.
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 47 or Robinson R44 Raven I?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Raven I cruises at 109 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 47: from $238,139.
Robinson R44 Raven I: from $325,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 47 and Robinson R44 Raven I?
R44 Raven I engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Raven I: 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?
R44 Raven I: 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?
R44 Raven I: 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