Enstrom Helicopter 480b G vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Robinson Helicopters R66 Marine
The Enstrom 480B-G is a piston-powered, single-engine light helicopter typically configured for a pilot plus up to four passengers (five seats total). In general use it fits short-to-moderate missions; its practical range is commonly in the few-hundred–nautical-mile class, often comparable to other light utility pistons depending on fuel reserves and speed. The Robinson R66 is a single-engine turbine helicopter, also generally arranged for a pilot plus up to four passengers. As a category it is usually viewed as a step up in capability from piston singles for hot/high performance and overall mission flexibility. Its range is typically somewhat longer than many piston light helicopters, frequently around the mid–300 nautical mile class in typical planning, again depending on reserves and operating profile. The Robinson R66 Marine is fundamentally the same aircraft as the standard R66 in category, seating, and baseline range, but optimized for overwater operations. The “Marine” differences are primarily equipment and corrosion/mission suitability rather than a change in passenger capacity; real-world range may be slightly affected by installed options and payload.
| Spec | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G | ROBINSON R66 | ROBINSON R66 Marine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.83 | $ 3.49 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Enstrom Helicopter | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 480B-G | R66 | R66 Marine |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 370 | 350 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1180 | 1355 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 326 | $ 384 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 115 | 110 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 1,425,000 | $ 920,000 | $ 965,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20W | RR300 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 305 | 300 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 90 | 73.6 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 29.9 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.6 | 11.4 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 32 | 33 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 22 | 18 | 18 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 50 | 50 |