Enstrom Helicopter 480b G vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Enstrom 480B-G and Robinson R66 are both light, turbine-powered helicopters commonly used for utility work, training, and personal or commercial operations, but they sit in slightly different niches. The Enstrom 480B-G is typically positioned as a rugged, stable light turbine with an emphasis on handling qualities and operating in demanding environments, whereas the Robinson R66 is widely viewed as a cost-conscious, high-utilization light turbine designed for straightforward operations and broad market availability. In range, the R66 generally offers the longer practical legs, benefiting from its fuel capacity and cruise efficiency, while the 480B-G is competitive for regional missions but is more often associated with shorter to mid-length utility or training profiles depending on configuration and reserves. For passenger capacity, both are commonly configured for one pilot plus up to four passengers (five seats total), making them broadly comparable for small-group transport, aerial work teams, or charter missions where cabin size and payload limits still shape real-world loadouts.
| Spec | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.83 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Enstrom Helicopter | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 480B-G | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 370 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1180 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 326 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 115 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 1,425,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 3 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20W | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 305 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 90 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 29.9 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.6 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 32 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 22 | 18 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 50 |