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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.

SpecGuimbal Cabri G2ROBINSON R44 Cadet
Summary
DOC / nm$ 1.71$ 2.22
Total Seats22
Flight RulesVFRVFR
ManufacturerGuimbalRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameCabri G2R44 Cadet
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)406300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.86$ 1.11
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)617763
Direct Operating Cost$ 171$ 238
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Guimbal Digtal EPMGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)100107
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $385,000 $344,000
Cabin
Total Seats22
Engine
FADECNoNo
Model0-360-J2AO-540
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)20002200
TBO (yrs)1212
Horsepower180210
Fuel DeliveryCarburetedCarbureted
No. of Engines11
Fuel Capacity (gal)29.5
Dimensions
Length (ft)20.738.3
Overall Height (ft)8.210.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)23.733
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)0.72.5