Enstrom Helicopter F 28f vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
Both the Enstrom F-28F and the Robinson R44 Raven II are light, piston-powered civilian helicopters commonly used for training, personal transport, and utility missions, but they sit in different size and capability brackets. The Enstrom F-28F is typically viewed as a smaller two- to three-seat class helicopter (depending on configuration), making it well suited to basic training and short-hop utility work where simplicity and low operating complexity matter. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a larger four-seat light helicopter, often chosen when operators need to carry more people or combine passengers with modest baggage. In range, the R44 Raven II generally offers the longer practical cross-country capability because it is designed for longer legs and higher useful load, making it more common for longer sightseeing routes and point-to-point travel. The F-28F’s range is usually more limited and aligns better with local operations, pattern work, and shorter missions. Overall, the key distinction is passenger capacity, with the R44 accommodating more occupants and typically enabling longer trips, while the F-28F prioritizes compactness and straightforward training utility.
| Spec | Enstrom Helicopter F-28F | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| DOC / nm | $ 2.08 | $ 2.36 |
| Total Seats | 3 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Enstrom Helicopter | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | F-28F | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 229 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.69 | $ 0.59 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 960 | 995 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 198 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 95 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 550,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Total Seats | 3 | 4 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | HI0-360-F1AD | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 1500 | 2200 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 225 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 40 | 29.5 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 28.1 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 32 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 6 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 2.5 |