Robinson R44 Astro vs Bell 505
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Astro | Bell 505 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,298 – $139,000 | $1,300,000 – $2,681,652 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 504 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 125 kts (232 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 340 nm (630 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 31.0 gal (117 L) | 76.0 gal (288 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 3,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $80,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $400 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Astro
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Bell 505
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$160,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Astro or Bell 505?
Pick the R44 Astro if…
- Budget matters — from $23,298 vs $1,300,000, you save ~$1,276,702.
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $400/hr.
Pick the 505 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 1993.
- More inventory — 25 listings vs 5.
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 R44 Astro or Bell 505?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Astro cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 505: from $1,300,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Astro and Bell 505?
R44 Astro engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 5.
Cruise: 110 vs 125 kts.
Range: 300 vs 340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Astro: about $180/hr variable cost.
505: about $400/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?
R44 Astro: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load.
505: 5 seats / 1,500 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?
R44 Astro: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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