Bell 407gxi vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Robinson Helicopters R66
All four are single‑engine light helicopters, but they span different mission priorities. The Bell 407GXi and Robinson R66 are typically positioned as versatile light utility/tour aircraft, while the Enstrom 480B‑G emphasizes stability and training/utility robustness, and the MD Helicopters MD 600N targets a roomier cabin and reduced tail‑rotor complexity via its NOTAR system. By category, the 407GXi is generally the largest and highest‑performing of the group, often favored for mixed utility and passenger work. The R66 is a lighter, cost‑focused turbine alternative often used for private, training, and light commercial roles. The 480B‑G sits between piston trainers and larger turbines, valued for predictable handling. The MD 600N is a light turbine utility helicopter with a distinctive anti‑torque approach. For range, the 407GXi and MD 600N are commonly comparable and tend to be on the higher end of this set, with the R66 usually slightly shorter and the 480B‑G often in a similar, midrange band depending on fuel configuration. For passenger capacity, the 407GXi and MD 600N typically seat a pilot plus up to six, whereas the R66 and 480B‑G commonly seat a pilot plus four.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | MD Helicopters MD 600N | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $ 4.06 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | MD 600N | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 341 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | 2000 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $ 545 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 134 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $3,400,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | 250-C47 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 715 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | 41 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | 118 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | 36.9 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | 9.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | 27.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | — | 18 |