Robinson R66 vs Robinson R44 Raven II
This compares the five-seat R66 turbine with the four-seat R44 Raven II piston — the step from Robinson's best-selling piston to its only turbine. The choice is piston economy versus turbine capability.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R66 | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $1,504 – $1,921,420 | $30,000 – $899,999 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 270 HP | 245 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 113 kts (209 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 994 lbs (451 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $200,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $300 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbine | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R66
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$95,000/yr
Robinson R44 Raven II
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 or Robinson R44 Raven II?
Bottom line: choose the R44 Raven II for far lower acquisition (from ~$30K vs ~$470K) and operating cost (~$200/hr vs ~$300/hr) for four-seat missions. Choose the R66 when you need the fifth seat, longer range, turbine smoothness and high-altitude performance.
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.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.
- Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 110 kts.
- More inventory — 286 listings vs 91.
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 Robinson R44 Raven II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range.
The R44 Raven II cruises at 113 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Raven II: from $650,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R66 and Robinson R44 Raven II?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
R44 Raven II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 4.
Cruise: 110 vs 113 kts.
Range: 350 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/hr variable cost.
R44 Raven II: about $200/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.
R44 Raven II: 4 seats / 994 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.
R44 Raven II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
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