Hiller UH-12B vs Robinson R22 Beta

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Hiller UH-12B
For sale now
1
Model years available
1952–1952
Robinson R22 Beta
For sale now
53
Median asking
$99,000
Range
$33,671–$195,000
Model years available
1986–1995

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Hiller UH-12BRobinson R22 Beta
All events22168
Serious317
Fatal025
Fatalities033
% Fatal0%15%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Hiller UH-12B Robinson R22 Beta
Median $115,000
Robinson R22 Beta
View 55 listings →
Median $99,000
Price Range $115,000 $33,671 – $195,000
Category Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 3 2
Horsepower 200 HP 131 HP
Cruise Speed 75 kts (139 km/h) 96 kts (178 km/h)
Range 200 nm (370 km) 209 nm (387 km)
Service Ceiling 12,000 ft (3,658 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load 700 lbs (318 kg) 490 lbs (222 kg)
Fuel Capacity 17.0 gal (64 L)
Fuel Burn 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) 9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $120,000
Annual Fixed $18,000
Hourly Variable $150
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Hiller UH-12B

Fuel$72/hr

Robinson R22 Beta

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $48,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Hiller UH-12B or Robinson R22 Beta?

Pick the UH-12B if…

  • More seats — 3 vs 2.

Pick the R22 Beta if…

  • Budget matters — from $33,671 vs $115,000, you save ~$81,329.
  • Faster cruise — 96 kts vs 75 kts.
  • Longer range — 209 nm vs 200 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1985 vs 1952.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Hiller UH-12B or Robinson R22 Beta?
It depends on your mission and budget. The UH-12B cruises at 75 kts with 200 nm range. The R22 Beta cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22 Beta: from $152,182. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Hiller UH-12B and Robinson R22 Beta?
R22 Beta engine: Lycoming O-320-B2C (131 hp). Seats: 3 vs 2. Cruise: 75 vs 96 kts. Range: 200 vs 209 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta: about $150/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?
UH-12B: 3 seats / 700 lb useful load. R22 Beta: 2 seats / 490 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?
R22 Beta: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$120,000. 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data