Md Helicopters 500N vs Robinson R66
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | MD Helicopters 500N | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $1,504 – $1,730,950 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 4 kts (7 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | — | 350 nm (648 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $300 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Turbine |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMD Helicopters 500N
Robinson R66
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$95,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: MD Helicopters 500N or Robinson R66?
Pick the 500N if…
Pick the R66 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 4 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1980.
- More inventory — 81 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 R66?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 500N cruises at 4 kts.
The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 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 R66?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 5.
Cruise: 4 vs 110 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/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.
R66: 5 seats / 1,100 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?
R66: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
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