Robinson R44 vs Bell 407
The Robinson R44 and Bell 407 are very different machines often shortlisted by buyers stepping up in capability. The four-seat R44 is a low-cost piston single; the seven-seat Bell 407 is a powerful turbine workhorse used in EMS, utility and corporate roles.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,292 – $899,999 | $2,000,000 – $4,700,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 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 | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48.0 gal (182 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
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 or Bell 407?
Bottom line: the R44 wins decisively on acquisition and operating cost. The Bell 407 wins on seats, payload, cruise speed and turbine performance. Choose the R44 for affordable private flying; choose the 407 when you need turbine capability and a large cabin for commercial work.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $23,292 vs $2,000,000, you save ~$1,976,708.
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $550/hr.
- More inventory — 478 listings vs 42.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 330 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1993.
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 or Bell 407?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 cruises at 110 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?
Bell 407: from $4,700,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 and Bell 407?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 7.
Cruise: 110 vs 133 kts.
Range: 300 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: 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: 4 seats / 882 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: 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