Robinson R44 Clipper II vs Bell 407
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Clipper II | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $149,000 – $776,500 | $2,000,000 – $4,700,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 133 kts (246 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 330 nm (611 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) |
| Useful Load | 994 lbs (451 kg) | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 131.0 gal (496 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $550 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Clipper II
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Bell 407
Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$210,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Clipper II or Bell 407?
Pick the R44 Clipper II if…
- Budget matters — from $149,000 vs $2,000,000, you save ~$1,851,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $550/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1996.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 109 kts.
- Longer range — 330 nm vs 300 nm.
- More inventory — 42 listings vs 32.
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 Clipper II or Bell 407?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Clipper II cruises at 109 kts with 300 nm range.
The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Clipper II and Bell 407?
R44 Clipper II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 7.
Cruise: 109 vs 133 kts.
Range: 300 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Clipper II: about $200/hr variable cost.
407: about $550/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 Clipper II: 4 seats / 994 lb useful load.
407: 7 seats / 2,347 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 Clipper II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
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