Robinson R66 vs Robinson R66 Marine

The Robinson R66 and R66 Turbine Marine are the same turbine helicopter, distinguished by flotation equipment. Both use the Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine and the five-seat R66 airframe. The Marine version adds pop-out emergency floats designed for operations over water — they can inflate within a few seconds if needed — making it suited to coastal, offshore and island flying. The floats add a modest amount of weight and reduce cruise speed slightly compared with the standard R66, which is the land-based configuration.

For a buyer, the decision is mission-driven. If flying regularly takes place over water, the Marine's pop-out floats add an important safety margin. If operations are land-based, the standard R66 avoids the small weight and speed penalty. Otherwise the two are the same helicopter.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Robinson R66
For sale now
80
Median asking
$880,000
Range
$580,650–$1,565,200
Model years available
2011–2026
Robinson R66 Marine
For sale now
5
Model years available
2015–2025

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 R66Robinson R66 Marine
All events40—
Serious4—
Fatal23—
Fatalities44—
% Fatal58%—
View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 Marine NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R66 Robinson R66 Marine
Robinson R66
View 73 listings →
Median $880,000
 Robinson R66 Marine
View 5 listings →
Median $895,000
Price Range $580,650 – $1,565,200 $701,500 – $1,510,600
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 270 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 350 nm (648 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $200,000 $250,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $42,000
Hourly Variable $300 $300
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R66

Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $95,000/yr

Robinson R66 Marine

Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$42,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $102,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 or Robinson R66 Marine?

Bottom line: These are the same turbine helicopter in different configurations, so the choice is about mission rather than capability. Choose the R66 Turbine Marine for over-water operations, where pop-out floats provide a safety margin for coastal and offshore flying. Choose the standard R66 for land-based operation, keeping slightly better cruise speed and useful load without the floats. Buyers should decide based on whether they routinely fly over water.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $701,500, you save ~$120,850.
  • More inventory — 73 listings vs 5.

Pick the R66 Marine if…

  • Newer design — production from 2014 vs 2010.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the R66 and the R66 Marine?
The R66 Marine is a standard R66 fitted with pop-out emergency floats for operating over water. Both use the same Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine and five-seat airframe; the Marine adds flotation for coastal and offshore flying.
Do the floats affect the R66 Marine's performance?
Only modestly. The floats add some weight and reduce cruise speed slightly compared with the standard R66, in exchange for over-water safety.
Which should I choose, the R66 or the R66 Marine?
It depends on where you fly. Choose the Marine for regular over-water operations where pop-out floats matter; choose the standard R66 for land-based flying without the small weight and speed penalty.
Which is better, Robinson R66 or Robinson R66 Marine?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range. The R66 Marine 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 R66: from $820,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R66 and Robinson R66 Marine?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). R66 Marine engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Cruise: 110 vs 110 kts. Range: 350 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/hr variable cost. R66 Marine: 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?
R66: 5 seats / 1,100 lb useful load. R66 Marine: 5 seats / 900 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?
R66: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000. R66 Marine: 2,200-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data