Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Airbus Helicopters H135 and the Robinson R44 Raven II sit in different market categories. The H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter typically operated in professional roles such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, offshore support, and corporate transport, where redundancy and higher dispatch reliability are priorities. The R44 Raven II is a single‑engine light helicopter aimed largely at private owners, flight training, and light utility work, emphasizing lower acquisition and operating costs. In range, the H135 generally offers longer legs depending on configuration and reserves, commonly on the order of roughly 340–390 nautical miles, while the R44 Raven II is typically around roughly 300 nautical miles, again varying with fuel load, conditions, and reserve policy. Passenger capacity also differs. The H135 is commonly configured for one or two pilots plus several passengers, with typical layouts carrying about five to six occupants total (and specialized medical interiors trading seats for equipment). The R44 Raven II is a four‑seat helicopter, usually one pilot plus up to three passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 4 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Fuel Injected |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 29.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 2.5 |