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.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G | MD Helicopters MD 500E | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 2.83 | $ 2.95 | $ 2.30 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Enstrom Helicopter | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | 480B-G | MD 500E | R44 Raven I | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 370 | 258 | 300 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 1180 | 1483 | 950 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 | — | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 326 | $ 398 | $ 248 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 115 | 135 | 108 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 1,425,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 412,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 | — | 3 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No | No | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | 250-C20W | 250-C20B | O-540 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 3500 | 2200 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 305 | 420 | 225 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — | 35 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 90 | 64 | 29.5 | 73.6 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | 12 | — |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Carbureted | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 29.9 | 30.9 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 9.6 | 8.7 | 10.8 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 32 | 26.4 | 33 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | 22 | — | — | 18 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 2.5 | — |