Enstrom Helicopter 480b G vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Cadet vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I
The Enstrom 480B-G and the Robinson R44 Cadet and R44 Raven I are all light, single‑engine piston helicopters typically used for training, touring, and utility work, but they differ in emphasis and capability. The Enstrom 480B‑G is generally positioned as a higher-end light piston helicopter with strong utility and training appeal, and it commonly offers more endurance and thus competitive range compared with many R44 configurations. The Robinson R44 Cadet is a light piston helicopter optimized primarily for flight training; it is configured for fewer passengers than other R44 variants, typically carrying a pilot plus one passenger, which can also translate into useful endurance for its mission profile. The Robinson R44 Raven I is the more general-purpose R44 variant and is commonly configured for four seats total, making it better suited to carrying small groups than the Cadet. In short, the Cadet prioritizes training with reduced passenger capacity, the Raven I prioritizes general 4-seat utility, and the 480B‑G tends to compete with a premium feel and often strong range/endurance among light pistons.
| Spec | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G | ROBINSON R44 Cadet | ROBINSON R44 Raven I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.83 | $ 2.22 | $ 2.30 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Enstrom Helicopter | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 480B-G | R44 Cadet | R44 Raven I |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 370 | 300 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 1.11 | $ 0.57 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1180 | 763 | 950 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | — | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 326 | $ 238 | $ 248 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 115 | 107 | 108 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 1,425,000 | $344,000 | $ 412,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | — | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20W | O-540 | O-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2200 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 305 | 210 | 225 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 90 | 29.5 | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Carbureted | Carbureted |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 29.9 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.6 | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 32 | 33 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 22 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 2.5 | 2.5 |