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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.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 600NROBINSON R22 Beta IIROBINSON R44 Raven IROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$4.48$ 2.95$ 4.06$ 1.80$ 2.30$ 3.49
Min Crew1111
Total Seats846245
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersRobinson HelicoptersRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameSH09MD 500EMD 600NR22 Beta IIR44 Raven IR66
CertificationIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Passengers7
Max Range (nm)430258341250300350
DOC / nm / Seat$0.56$ 0.74$ 0.68$ 0.90$ 0.57$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats635
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats6253
Direct Operating Cost$627$ 398$ 545$ 173$ 248$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)14013513496108110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,500,000$ 2,750,000 $3,400,000 $ 312,000$ 412,000$ 920,000
Useful Load (lbs)148320004909501355
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats846245
Standard Cabin Seats6253
Max Cabin Seats35
Engine
FADECYesNoNoNoNoNo
ModelHTS 900250-C20B250-C47O-360O-540RR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelAvGasAvGasJetFuel
TBO (hrs)550035002000200022002000
Horsepower1020420715131225300
No. of Engines111111
Fuel Burn (gph)3541
Fuel Capacity (gal)6411811529.573.6
TBO (yrs)1212
Fuel DeliveryCarburetedCarbureted
Dimensions
Length (ft)30.936.928.538.338.3
Overall Height (ft)8.79.78.810.811.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)26.427.525.23333
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1.52.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)50
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18