Robinson R44 Clipper II vs Robinson R44 Raven II
The Robinson R44 Raven II and R44 Clipper II are closely related — the Clipper II is essentially a Raven II fitted for operations over water. Both share the same fuel-injected Lycoming IO-540 engine, four-seat cabin and core performance. The defining difference is flotation: the Clipper II adds floats — either fixed inflated floats or a pop-out system mounted on the skids — that allow it to operate near and land on water, whereas the Raven II is the standard land-based helicopter. The floats add a small amount of weight and drag, so a Clipper II gives up a little speed and payload in exchange for over-water capability.
For a buyer, the choice is straightforward and mission-driven. If operations involve coastal, offshore or lake environments where water-landing capability matters, the Clipper II is the purpose-built option. If flying is land-based, the Raven II offers the same helicopter without the float penalty. Both are otherwise the same aircraft.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 23
- Median asking
- $379,000
- Range
- $149,000–$715,600
- Model years available
- 2003–2026
- For sale now
- 269
- Median asking
- $369,900
- Range
- $120,366–$759,637
- Model years available
- 2001–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Robinson R44 Clipper II | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 2 |
| % Fatal | — | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Clipper II | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,000 – $715,600 | $120,366 – $759,637 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 245 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 113 kts (209 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 994 lbs (451 kg) | 994 lbs (451 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Clipper II
Robinson R44 Raven II
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Clipper II or Robinson R44 Raven II?
Bottom line: These are the same helicopter in different configurations, so the decision is about mission rather than capability tiers. Choose the R44 Clipper II if over-water operation and the safety of floats are important — for coastal, island or offshore flying. Choose the R44 Raven II for standard land-based operation, where you keep slightly better speed and payload without the floats. Buyers should decide based on whether they routinely fly over water; otherwise the two are mechanically and operationally very similar.
Pick the R44 Clipper II if…
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Budget matters — from $120,366 vs $149,000, you save ~$28,634.
- Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 109 kts.
- More inventory — 264 listings vs 21.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.