Robinson R22 Beta II vs Robinson R44 Raven II

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Robinson R22 Beta II Robinson R44 Raven II
Robinson R22 Beta II
View 91 listings →
Median $117,500
Robinson R44 Raven II
View 279 listings →
Median $375,000
Price Range $49,000 – $449,000 $30,000 – $899,999
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 131 HP 245 HP
Cruise Speed 95 kts (176 km/h) 113 kts (209 km/h)
Range 240 nm (444 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 490 lbs (222 kg) 994 lbs (451 kg)
Fuel Capacity 27.0 gal (102 L) 46.0 gal (174 L)
Fuel Burn 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $60,000 $150,000
Annual Fixed $15,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $140 $200
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R22 Beta II

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $43,000/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 Beta II or Robinson R44 Raven II?

Pick the R22 Beta II if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.

Pick the R44 Raven II if…

  • Budget matters — from $30,000 vs $49,000, you save ~$19,000.
  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 95 kts.
  • Longer range — 300 nm vs 240 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1995.
  • More inventory — 279 listings vs 91.

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 Beta II or Robinson R44 Raven II?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 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 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 Beta II and Robinson R44 Raven II?
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp). R44 Raven II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp). Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 95 vs 113 kts. Range: 240 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta II: about $140/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 Beta II: 2 seats / 490 lb useful load. 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 Beta II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000. 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