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Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicopter 480b G vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R66

All five are light helicopters, but they split into two broad categories: piston trainers/tourers and more capable turbine utility aircraft. The Robinson R44 Raven I is a light single‑engine piston helicopter typically used for training and short sightseeing hops; it carries a pilot plus three passengers and generally offers a few hundred miles of range depending on fuel/reserves. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine step up, usually configured for a pilot plus four passengers with similar-to-better range than typical piston light helicopters and stronger hot‑and‑high performance. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a modern light single‑engine turbine in the same general class as the R66, commonly seating a pilot plus four passengers and offering several hundred miles of range, often favored for training, patrol, and private transport. The Enstrom 480B‑G is a light single‑engine turbine known for sturdy utility use and training; it typically seats a pilot plus four passengers with range comparable to other light turbines. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light turbine optimized for agility and utility; it generally carries a pilot plus four passengers and tends to prioritize performance and mission flexibility over maximum passenger comfort.

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XEnstrom Helicopter 480B-GMD Helicopters MD 500EROBINSON R44 Raven IROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 2.83$ 2.95$ 2.30$ 3.49
Min Crew1111
Total Seats54445
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellEnstrom HelicopterMD HelicotpersRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger X480B-GMD 500ER44 Raven IR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306370258300350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.71$ 0.74$ 0.57$ 0.70
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1500118014839501355
Standard Cabin Seats3223
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 326$ 398$ 248$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)125115135108110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 1,425,000$ 2,750,000$ 412,000$ 920,000
Max Cabin Seats33
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats54445
Standard Cabin Seats3223
Max Cabin Seats33
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNoNoNo
ModelArrius 2R250-C20W250-C20BO-540RR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelAvGasJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40002000350022002000
Horsepower505305420225300
No. of Engines11111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.335
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.85906429.573.6
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryCarbureted
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4829.930.938.338.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.659.68.710.811.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)373226.43333
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)13750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)182218
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5