Enstrom Helicotper 280fx Shark vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Robinson Helicopters R22 Beta Ii vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R66
All of these are light helicopters, but they split into piston trainers, light utility pistons, and turbine utility types. The Robinson R22 Beta II is the smallest two‑seat piston trainer with the shortest typical range in this group. Stepping up, the Enstrom 280FX Shark and MD 500E are light, four‑seat class helicopters; both are commonly used for training and light utility, with moderate range, with the 500E typically emphasizing agility and performance rather than cabin space. The Robinson R44 Raven I and Enstrom 480B‑G are roomier four‑seat utility pistons that generally offer longer range and better useful load flexibility than the lighter four‑seat options, depending on configuration. The Leonardo SH09 is a modern light single with a larger, more accommodating cabin in the light category; it’s typically positioned for higher passenger comfort and competitive range. On the turbine side, the Robinson R66 is a five‑seat light turbine with range and payload generally ahead of piston models. The MD 600N is a light turbine with a larger cabin, typically configured around six seats, and is among the highest in passenger capacity and mission flexibility here.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 600N | ROBINSON R22 Beta II | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $4.48 | $ 2.95 | $ 4.06 | $ 1.80 | $ 2.30 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | SH09 | MD 500E | MD 600N | R22 Beta II | R44 Raven I | R66 |
| Certification | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Passengers | 7 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 430 | 258 | 341 | 250 | 300 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 3 | 5 | — | — | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $627 | $ 398 | $ 545 | $ 173 | $ 248 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 140 | 135 | 134 | 96 | 108 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,500,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $3,400,000 | $ 312,000 | $ 412,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 1483 | 2000 | 490 | 950 | 1355 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 3 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 5 | — | — | — |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Model | HTS 900 | 250-C20B | 250-C47 | O-360 | O-540 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas | AvGas | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5500 | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 | 2200 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 1020 | 420 | 715 | 131 | 225 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 | 41 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 64 | 118 | 115 | 29.5 | 73.6 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | 12 | 12 | — |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Carbureted | Carbureted | — |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | — | 30.9 | 36.9 | 28.5 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 8.7 | 9.7 | 8.8 | 10.8 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 26.4 | 27.5 | 25.2 | 33 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 1.5 | 2.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | — | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | — | — | 18 |