Robinson R66 vs Bell 407
The Robinson R66 and Bell 407 are both turbine singles, but in different weight and price classes: the R66 is an efficient five-seat private turbine, while the seven-seat 407 is a faster, heavier commercial machine.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R66 | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $1,504 – $1,921,420 | $2,000,000 – $4,700,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 270 HP | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 133 kts (246 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 330 nm (611 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 131.0 gal (496 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $200,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $300 | $550 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbine | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R66
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$95,000/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 R66 or Bell 407?
Bottom line: choose the R66 for turbine flying at a far lower price (~$470K vs ~$2.0M) and roughly half the hourly cost. Choose the Bell 407 if you need seven seats, higher speed and the payload of a heavier commercial helicopter.
Pick the R66 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,504 vs $2,000,000, you save ~$1,998,496.
- Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $550/hr.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 330 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1996.
- More inventory — 91 listings vs 42.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 133 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 R66 or Bell 407?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 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 R66 and Bell 407?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 7.
Cruise: 110 vs 133 kts.
Range: 350 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/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?
R66: 5 seats / 1,100 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?
R66: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
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