Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Robinson Helicopters R66 Marine
The Airbus Helicopters H130 and the Robinson Helicopters R66 Marine sit in different light-helicopter categories and are typically chosen for different missions. The H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter oriented toward passenger comfort, sightseeing, and utility work, with a spacious cabin and low interior noise. The R66 Marine is also a single‑engine light helicopter, but it is generally positioned as a smaller, simpler, more owner-operator and light commercial platform, with marine-oriented equipment and corrosion protection for over-water use. In passenger capacity, the H130 usually carries one pilot plus up to six passengers, making it better suited to higher-volume tour or shuttle roles. The R66 Marine typically carries one pilot plus up to four passengers, fitting smaller groups and lighter payload missions. On range, the H130 generally offers a longer practical range than the R66 Marine depending on configuration and reserves, supporting longer legs or more time on task. The R66 Marine’s range is typically shorter, but it remains well suited to coastal, yacht support, and short-haul over-water operations where marine features matter most.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | ROBINSON R66 Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | R66 Marine |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $ 965,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 |