Robinson R44 Astro vs Robinson R22 Beta II
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Astro | Robinson R22 Beta II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $23,298 – $139,000 | $49,000 – $449,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 131 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 95 kts (176 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 240 nm (444 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 490 lbs (222 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 31.0 gal (117 L) | 27.0 gal (102 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $60,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Astro
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Robinson R22 Beta II
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$43,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Astro or Robinson R22 Beta II?
Pick the R44 Astro if…
- Budget matters — from $23,298 vs $49,000, you save ~$25,702.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 240 nm.
Pick the R22 Beta II if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $180/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1995 vs 1993.
- More inventory — 91 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 Robinson R22 Beta II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Astro cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 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 R44 Astro and Robinson R22 Beta II?
R44 Astro engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 110 vs 95 kts.
Range: 300 vs 240 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Astro: about $180/hr variable cost.
R22 Beta II: about $140/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.
R22 Beta II: 2 seats / 490 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.
R22 Beta II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000.
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