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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.

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XEnstrom Helicopter 480B-GROBINSON R44 Raven IROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 2.83$ 2.30$ 3.49
Min Crew111
Total Seats5445
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellEnstrom HelicopterRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger X480B-GR44 Raven IR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306370300350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.71$ 0.57$ 0.70
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)150011809501355
Standard Cabin Seats323
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 326$ 248$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)125115108110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 1,425,000$ 412,000$ 920,000
Max Cabin Seats3
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats5445
Standard Cabin Seats323
Max Cabin Seats3
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNoNo
ModelArrius 2R250-C20WO-540RR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelAvGasJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000200022002000
Horsepower505305225300
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.859029.573.6
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryCarbureted
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4829.938.338.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.659.610.811.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)37323333
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)13750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)182218
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5