Enstrom Helicopter 480b G vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I
The Enstrom 480B-G and the Robinson R44 Raven I are both light, single‑engine piston helicopters used for training, personal transport, and utility work, but they differ in emphasis. The Enstrom 480B-G is typically positioned as a rugged light utility/training helicopter with a strong focus on stability and durability, often appealing to operators who prioritize robust handling and operational toughness. The Robinson R44 Raven I is more commonly seen as a high‑utilization personal and commercial platform, widely used for flight training and sightseeing due to its large installed base and straightforward operating profile. In range, both are designed for short to medium missions, but the R44 Raven I is generally known for having a longer typical range/endurance in standard configurations than the 480B-G, depending on fuel setup, payload, and conditions. For passenger capacity, both are four‑seat helicopters in common configurations, accommodating a pilot plus up to three passengers, though practical loading depends on weight, fuel, and mission equipment.
| Spec | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G | ROBINSON R44 Raven I |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.83 | $ 2.30 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Enstrom Helicopter | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 480B-G | R44 Raven I |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 370 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.57 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1180 | 950 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 326 | $ 248 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 115 | 108 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 1,425,000 | $ 412,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20W | O-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 305 | 225 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 90 | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Carbureted |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 29.9 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.6 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 32 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 22 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 2.5 |