Bell 505 vs Robinson R44
The Robinson R44 and Bell 505 Jet Ranger X are cross-shopped by buyers weighing piston value against a modern turbine. The four-seat R44 costs far less to own; the five-seat 505 offers a glass cockpit, turbine power and a larger cabin.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 505 | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,300,000 – $2,681,652 | $23,298 – $899,999 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 504 HP | 260 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 340 nm (630 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 76.0 gal (288 L) | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,000 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $80,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 505
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$160,000/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 505 or Robinson R44?
Bottom line: the R44 wins on price and operating cost. The Bell 505 wins on turbine smoothness, cabin size and avionics. Choose the R44 for the lowest cost of ownership; choose the 505 if you want a new-generation turbine with five seats.
Pick the 505 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 1993.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $23,298 vs $1,300,000, you save ~$1,276,702.
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $400/hr.
- More inventory — 480 listings vs 25.
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 505 or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 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?
Bell 505: from $1,300,000.
Robinson R44: from $302,874.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 505 and Robinson R44?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 4.
Cruise: 125 vs 110 kts.
Range: 340 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/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?
505: 5 seats / 1,500 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?
505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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