Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Bell 505 JetRanger X, Enstrom 480B, and Robinson R66 are all light, single‑engine turbine helicopters aimed at utility and private operations, but they differ in emphasis. The Bell 505 is a modern light turbine in the “short‑haul, high‑visibility, easy‑to-fly” category, commonly used for training, corporate transport, and light utility work. The Enstrom 480B is also a light turbine, often chosen for training and utility roles, with a reputation for robust handling and a more traditional cockpit depending on configuration. The Robinson R66 is a light turbine optimized for cost‑efficient private and commercial use, including tourism and patrol-type missions. In range, the R66 and Bell 505 are typically comparable in real‑world mission planning, with the Enstrom 480B often in a similar bracket; actual range varies strongly with payload, fuel reserve policy, and conditions. For passenger capacity, the Bell 505 and Robinson R66 are generally configured for a pilot plus up to four passengers, while the Enstrom 480B is typically configured for a pilot plus three passengers.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | 18 |