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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.

SpecEnstrom Helicopter 480B-GROBINSON R44 CadetROBINSON R44 Raven I
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 2.83$ 2.22$ 2.30
Min Crew1
Total Seats424
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerEnstrom HelicopterRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name480B-GR44 CadetR44 Raven I
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)370300300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 1.11$ 0.57
Max Cabin Seats3
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1180763950
Standard Cabin Seats2
Direct Operating Cost$ 326$ 238$ 248
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)115107108
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 1,425,000 $344,000 $ 412,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Min Crew1
Total Seats424
Max Cabin Seats3
Standard Cabin Seats2
Engine
FADECNoNoNo
Model250-C20WO-540O-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)200022002200
Horsepower305210225
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)9029.529.5
TBO (yrs)1212
Fuel DeliveryCarburetedCarbureted
Dimensions
Length (ft)29.938.338.3
Overall Height (ft)9.610.810.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)323333
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)22
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.52.5