Robinson R22 Alpha vs Robinson R44 Raven II
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 Alpha | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $99,000 | $30,000 – $899,999 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 124 HP | 245 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 113 kts (209 km/h) |
| Range | 209 nm (387 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 994 lbs (451 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal (64 L) | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $120,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R22 Alpha
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/yr
Robinson R44 Raven II
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 Alpha or Robinson R44 Raven II?
Pick the R22 Alpha if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $200/hr.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Budget matters — from $30,000 vs $99,000, you save ~$69,000.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 96 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 209 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1983.
- More inventory — 281 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, Robinson R22 Alpha or Robinson R44 Raven II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 Alpha cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range.
The R44 Raven II cruises at 113 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22 Alpha: from $99,000.
Robinson R44 Raven II: from $650,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 Alpha and Robinson R44 Raven II?
R22 Alpha engine: Lycoming O-320-B2C (124 hp).
R44 Raven II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 96 vs 113 kts.
Range: 209 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Alpha: about $150/hr variable cost.
R44 Raven II: 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?
R22 Alpha: 2 seats.
R44 Raven II: 4 seats / 994 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 Alpha: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$120,000.
R44 Raven II: 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