Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicopter 480b G vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Bell 505 JetRanger X and Robinson R66 sit in the light single‑engine turbine category, while the Enstrom 480B‑G and Robinson R44 Raven I are light single‑engine piston helicopters. In passenger capacity, the Bell 505 and Robinson R66 are typically configured for five seats including the pilot, making them the most accommodating of the group. The Enstrom 480B‑G generally seats five as well, while the Robinson R44 Raven I is typically a four‑seat aircraft including the pilot. On range, the turbine Bell 505 and R66 generally offer similar, mid‑to‑upper light‑single mission reach (often roughly in the 300–350 nautical mile class, depending on configuration, reserves, and operating conditions). The piston Enstrom 480B‑G is commonly comparable but can vary notably with loading and fuel options, while the Robinson R44 Raven I is usually the shortest‑legged of the four, often nearer the ~250–300 nautical mile class. Real‑world range for all models is strongly affected by payload, altitude/temperature, and reserve policy.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 2.83 | $ 2.30 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Enstrom Helicopter | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | 480B-G | R44 Raven I | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 370 | 300 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 1180 | 950 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | — | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 326 | $ 248 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 115 | 108 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 1,425,000 | $ 412,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | — | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | — | 3 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | 250-C20W | O-540 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 2200 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 305 | 225 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 90 | 29.5 | 73.6 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | 12 | — |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Carbureted | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 29.9 | 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 | 10.8 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 32 | 33 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | 22 | — | 18 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 2.5 | — |