Robinson R44 Raven II vs Robinson R66
The Robinson R44 Raven II (four-seat piston, IO-540) and R66 (five-seat turbine, Rolls-Royce RR300) are the piston-vs-turbine step in the Robinson line — same Robinson DNA, different engine class, cabin size and operating cost.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Raven II | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $30,000 – $899,999 | $1,504 – $1,730,950 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 113 kts (209 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 350 nm (648 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Useful Load | 994 lbs (451 kg) | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 46.0 gal (174 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $300 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turbine |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Raven II
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Robinson R66
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$95,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Raven II or Robinson R66?
Bottom line: Choose the R44 for the lowest acquisition and operating cost in a capable four-seat piston helicopter — the personal/training workhorse. Step up to the R66 for turbine smoothness and reliability, a fifth seat, more useful load/altitude performance and a larger baggage compartment — worth it for owners who value turbine operation and the extra cabin, at higher acquisition and fuel cost.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.
- Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 110 kts.
- More inventory — 263 listings vs 81.
Pick the R66 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,504 vs $30,000, you save ~$28,496.
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2002.
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 Raven II or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Raven II cruises at 113 kts with 300 nm range.
The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Raven II: from $115,235.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Raven II and Robinson R66?
R44 Raven II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 5.
Cruise: 113 vs 110 kts.
Range: 300 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Raven II: about $200/hr variable cost.
R66: about $300/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 Raven II: 4 seats / 994 lb useful load.
R66: 5 seats / 1,100 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 Raven II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
R66: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
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