Robinson R22 Beta II vs Robinson R66
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 Beta II | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $49,000 – $449,000 | $1,504 – $1,921,420 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 131 HP | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 95 kts (176 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 240 nm (444 km) | 350 nm (648 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Useful Load | 490 lbs (222 kg) | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 27.0 gal (102 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $60,000 | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $300 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turbine |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R22 Beta II
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$43,000/yr
Robinson R66
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$95,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 Beta II or Robinson R66?
Pick the R22 Beta II if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $300/hr.
Pick the R66 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,504 vs $49,000, you save ~$47,496.
- More seats — 5 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 240 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1995.
- More inventory — 98 listings vs 93.
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 R66?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 nm range.
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?
Robinson R22 Beta II: from $339,000.
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 R66?
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp).
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 5.
Cruise: 95 vs 110 kts.
Range: 240 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta II: about $140/hr variable cost.
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?
R22 Beta II: 2 seats / 490 lb useful load.
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?
R22 Beta II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000.
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