Robinson R44 Clipper II vs Robinson R22 Beta II
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Clipper II | Robinson R22 Beta II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,000 – $776,500 | $49,000 – $449,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 131 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 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 | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) |
| Useful Load | 994 lbs (451 kg) | 490 lbs (222 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 27.0 gal (102 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 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 | $200 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
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
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 Clipper II or Robinson R22 Beta II?
Pick the R44 Clipper II if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 240 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1995.
Pick the R22 Beta II if…
- Budget matters — from $49,000 vs $149,000, you save ~$100,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.
- More inventory — 91 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 Robinson R22 Beta II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Clipper II cruises at 109 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 Clipper II and Robinson R22 Beta II?
R44 Clipper II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 109 vs 95 kts.
Range: 300 vs 240 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Clipper II: about $200/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 Clipper II: 4 seats / 994 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 Clipper II: 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