Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R66 Police Helicotper
The Bell 505 JetRanger X and the Robinson R66 are both light, single‑engine helicopters often considered for patrol and public safety support, but they differ in emphasis. In category terms, the Bell 505 is a modern light single designed with a roomy cabin and strong hot‑and‑high capability, while the R66 is a lighter, simpler turbine helicopter that is frequently configured for cost‑efficient utility and law‑enforcement missions. For range, both can cover typical city‑to‑regional patrol profiles, but the Bell 505 generally offers a longer reach thanks to its fuel capacity and efficiency, making it better suited when longer repositioning legs or extended time away from base are common. The R66’s range is still solid for most policing needs, but it is typically a bit shorter in comparable configurations. For passenger capacity, both are commonly operated with a pilot plus several occupants. The Bell 505 is usually arranged for a pilot and up to four passengers, while the R66 is typically a pilot and up to four passengers as well, with mission equipment and fuel sometimes reducing usable seats.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R66 Police Helicopter |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Police Helicotper |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | $ 1,062,000 |
| 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 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | — |