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.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R22 Beta II | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 1.80 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | R22 Beta II | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 250 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.59 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 490 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | — | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 173 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 96 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 312,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | — | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | O-360 | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 131 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 115 | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Carbureted | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 28.5 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 8.8 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 25.2 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 1.5 | 2.5 |