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Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Robinson Helicopters R22 Beta Ii vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii

The Bell 505 JetRanger X and MD Helicopters MD 500E sit in the light single-turbine category, typically offering higher cruise speed and longer practical range than piston trainers, and commonly carrying a pilot plus up to four passengers, though real-world payload and fuel choices can reduce usable seats. The Bell 505 is generally positioned as a modern, five-seat turbine with strong cross-country capability, while the MD 500E is a nimble turbine often configured for five seats but frequently operated with fewer to preserve performance. The Robinson R22 Beta II is a light two-seat piston helicopter, best suited to training and short-range missions; its range is the shortest of the four and its passenger capacity is limited to one passenger plus the pilot. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a larger four-seat piston helicopter, bridging the gap by carrying a pilot plus up to three passengers and typically offering substantially more range than the R22, while still usually less than the turbine options depending on configuration and reserves.

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 500EROBINSON R22 Beta IIROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 2.95$ 1.80$ 2.36
Min Crew11
Total Seats5424
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellMD HelicotpersRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger XMD 500ER22 Beta IIR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306258250300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.74$ 0.90$ 0.59
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)15001483490995
Standard Cabin Seats32
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 398$ 173$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)12513596109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 2,750,000$ 312,000$ 490,000
Max Cabin Seats3
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats5424
Standard Cabin Seats32
Max Cabin Seats3
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNoNo
ModelArrius 2R250-C20BO-360IO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)4000350020002200
Horsepower505420131245
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.335
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.856411529.5
TBO (yrs)1212
Fuel DeliveryCarburetedFuel Injected
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4830.928.538.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.658.78.810.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3726.425.233
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)137
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1.52.5