Robinson R44 Raven II vs Robinson R22 Beta II
The Robinson R22 (two-seat piston, Lycoming O-360, ~96 kt) and R44 (four-seat piston, fuel-injected IO-540, ~110 kt) are the world's most popular training and personal helicopters — the R22 the minimalist two-seat trainer, the R44 the four-seat step-up that most owners actually fly.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Raven II | Robinson R22 Beta II |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | $30,000 – $899,999 | $49,000 – $449,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 131 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 113 kts (209 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 | 46.0 gal (174 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 Raven II
Robinson R22 Beta II
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Raven II or Robinson R22 Beta II?
Bottom line: Choose the R22 for the lowest-cost helicopter training and time-building — light, economical, the global ab-initio standard, but demanding (low inertia rotor) and tight on payload. Step up to the R44 for genuine four-seat utility, more comfortable cruise and a far more usable personal/cross-country helicopter — the volume choice for owners who want to carry people, not just train.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Budget matters — from $30,000 vs $49,000, you save ~$19,000.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 240 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1995.
- More inventory — 263 listings vs 88.
Pick the R22 Beta II if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.