Enstrom Helicotper 280fx Shark vs Guimbal Cabri G2 vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Cadet
All three aircraft are light, piston-powered helicopters commonly used for training and personal flying, but they sit in different size and mission niches. The Guimbal Cabri G2 is typically viewed as a modern two-seat trainer in the light training category; it generally offers the shortest practical range of the three, but emphasizes handling, safety features, and low operating complexity. The Enstrom 280FX Shark is also a two-seat light helicopter, often positioned as a training and personal-use platform; it is broadly comparable to the Cabri in passenger capacity, while range is typically in the same general band, depending on tank configuration and reserves. The Robinson R44 Cadet moves up a class: it is a light, four-seat helicopter (with the Cadet variant often configured to favor training payload and simplicity), giving it the greatest passenger capacity here, and it generally offers the longest range among the three thanks to higher fuel capacity and efficiency in cruise. In short, Cabri G2 and 280FX are two-seat light trainers, while the R44 Cadet is a larger, longer-legged four-seat option.
| Spec | Guimbal Cabri G2 | ROBINSON R44 Cadet |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| DOC / nm | $ 1.71 | $ 2.22 |
| Total Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Guimbal | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | Cabri G2 | R44 Cadet |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 406 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 1.11 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 617 | 763 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 171 | $ 238 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Guimbal Digtal EPM | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 100 | 107 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $385,000 | $344,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Total Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | 0-360-J2A | O-540 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2200 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 210 |
| Fuel Delivery | Carbureted | Carbureted |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 29.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 20.7 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.2 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 23.7 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 0.7 | 2.5 |