Robinson R44 vs Md Helicopters 500
The Robinson R44 and MD 500 appeal to different buyers. The four-seat R44 is the value leader in piston helicopters; the MD 500 is a fast, agile turbine single with military pedigree.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 | MD Helicopters 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,292 – $899,999 | — |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 420 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 232 nm (430 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 1,550 lbs (703 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48.0 gal (182 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $80,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $450 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
MD Helicopters 500
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$450/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$170,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or MD Helicopters 500?
Bottom line: the R44 wins on cost of ownership and parts availability. The MD 500 wins on speed, agility and turbine performance. Choose the R44 for affordable ownership; choose the MD 500 if you want turbine performance and distinctive handling.
Pick the R44 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $450/hr.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 232 nm.
Pick the 500 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 110 kts.
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 MD Helicopters 500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The 500 cruises at 135 kts with 232 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 and MD Helicopters 500?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 5.
Cruise: 110 vs 135 kts.
Range: 300 vs 232 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/hr variable cost.
500: about $450/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.
500: 5 seats / 1,550 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.
500: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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