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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.

SpecAIRBUS H135ROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit2—
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 2.36
Min Crew1—
Total Seats94
Flight RulesIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH135R44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats7—
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)3124995
Standard Cabin Seats7—
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit2—
Min Crew1—
Total Seats94
ConfigurationGreen Interior—
Max Cabin Seats7—
Standard Cabin Seats7—
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+IO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelAvGas
TBO (hrs)40002200
Horsepower660245
No. of Engines21
TBO (yrs)—12
Fuel Delivery—Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity (gal)—29.5
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.538.3
Overall Height (ft)12.610.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3433
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173—
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)—2.5