Md Helicopters 500N vs Robinson R44
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | MD Helicopters 500N | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $23,292 – $899,999 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 260 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 4 kts (7 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | — | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMD Helicopters 500N
Robinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: MD Helicopters 500N or Robinson R44?
Pick the 500N if…
Pick the R44 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 4 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1980.
- More inventory — 478 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, MD Helicopters 500N or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 500N cruises at 4 kts.
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 MD Helicopters 500N and Robinson R44?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 4.
Cruise: 4 vs 110 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
500N: 1 seats.
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?
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