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

The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a light single-engine turbine helicopter, generally positioned as a modern, higher-performance platform with more capability and refinement than small piston trainers. It typically offers seating for up to five (pilot plus four passengers) and a longer practical range than the Robinson R22, making it better suited to passenger-carrying missions, corporate use, and utility/light charter profiles where turbine reliability and payload matter. The Robinson R22 Beta II is a very light, two-seat piston helicopter primarily used for training and time-building. Its passenger capacity is limited to one passenger plus the pilot, and its range is usually the shortest of the three, aligning with its role as a cost-efficient trainer rather than a cross-country or passenger platform. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light, four-seat piston helicopter that bridges the gap. It carries more people than the R22 (pilot plus three passengers) and generally has greater range and useful load than the R22, but it typically remains less capable than the turbine Bell 505 for higher-end missions.

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XROBINSON R22 Beta IIROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 1.80$ 2.36
Min Crew1
Total Seats524
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger XR22 Beta IIR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306250300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.90$ 0.59
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1500490995
Standard Cabin Seats3
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 173$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)12596109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 312,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Min Crew1
Total Seats524
Standard Cabin Seats3
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNo
ModelArrius 2RO-360IO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)400020002200
Horsepower505131245
No. of Engines111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.8511529.5
TBO (yrs)1212
Fuel DeliveryCarburetedFuel Injected
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4828.538.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.658.810.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3725.233
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)137
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1.52.5