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Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R22 Beta Ii vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii vs Robinson Helicopters R66

The Bell 505 JetRanger X and Robinson R66 sit in the light-turbine category, while the Robinson R22 Beta II and R44 Raven II are light-piston helicopters. In practical range terms, the R22 is typically the shortest-legged of the group, aimed at economical training and short missions. The R44 generally offers more usable range than the R22 thanks to greater fuel capacity and efficiency at higher cruise speeds, making it a common choice for longer cross-countries in the piston class. The Bell 505 and R66 usually provide the most mission flexibility and commonly the best range in real-world operations, with the turbine advantage of consistent performance and better high/hot capability; between them, the R66 often edges toward longer legs due to its fuel capacity, while the 505 is frequently chosen for modern avionics and a roomy cabin. Passenger capacity scales similarly: the R22 is a two-seat aircraft (pilot plus one), whereas the R44, Bell 505, and R66 are typically configured for four seats (pilot plus three).

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XROBINSON R22 Beta IIROBINSON R44 Raven IIROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 1.80$ 2.36$ 3.49
Min Crew11
Total Seats5245
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellRobinson HelicoptersRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger XR22 Beta IIR44 Raven IIR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306250300350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.90$ 0.59$ 0.70
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)15004909951355
Standard Cabin Seats33
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 173$ 257$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)12596109110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 312,000$ 490,000$ 920,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats5245
Standard Cabin Seats33
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNoNo
ModelArrius 2RO-360IO-540RR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelAvGasAvGasJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000200022002000
Horsepower505131245300
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.8511529.573.6
TBO (yrs)1212
Fuel DeliveryCarburetedFuel Injected
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4828.538.338.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.658.810.811.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)3725.23333
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)13750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1818
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1.52.5