Robinson R22 vs Robinson R44 Raven II
This compares the two-seat R22 trainer with the four-seat R44 Raven II — Robinson's entry trainer against its best-selling family helicopter. They serve different missions in the same lineup.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $18,000 – $449,000 | $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 | 454 lbs (206 kg) | 994 lbs (451 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal (64 L) | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 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
EstimateRobinson R22
Fuel$55/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 or Robinson R44 Raven II?
Bottom line: choose the R22 if your goal is training, hour-building or the lowest operating cost (~$140/hr) with two seats. Choose the R44 Raven II when you need to carry up to four people, want fuel-injected performance and a faster, longer-range aircraft for private or light-commercial use.
Pick the R22 if…
- Budget matters — from $18,000 vs $30,000, you save ~$12,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- 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 1979.
- More inventory — 286 listings vs 152.
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 or Robinson R44 Raven II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 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 R44 Raven II: from $599,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 and Robinson R44 Raven II?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (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: 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: 2 seats / 454 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: 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