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Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Enstrom Helicotper F 28f vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Cadet vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R66

The Enstrom 480B-G and Enstrom F-28F are both light, piston-powered helicopters in the same general category, typically used for training, utility, and personal flying. They generally carry four people (pilot plus up to three passengers) and offer moderate range for local and regional missions, with the 480B-G often positioned as the more modern, higher-capability variant in the Enstrom line. Robinson’s R44 Cadet and R44 Raven I are also light piston helicopters; both are four-seat airframes, but the Cadet is configured primarily as a two-seat trainer (pilot and one passenger) to reduce operating cost, while the Raven I is commonly operated as a full four-place aircraft. In range, the R44 variants are broadly comparable to the Enstrom piston models, typically suited to regional legs rather than long cross-country hauling. The Robinson R66 steps up into the light-turbine category, still generally five seats (pilot plus four) and typically offering greater useful load and a longer, more flexible operational range than the piston R44/Enstrom options, especially for hotter/high-altitude conditions.

SpecROBINSON R44 CadetROBINSON R44 Raven IROBINSON R66
Summary
DOC / nm$ 2.22$ 2.30$ 3.49
Total Seats245
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerRobinson HelicoptersRobinson HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameR44 CadetR44 Raven IR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)300300350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 1.11$ 0.57$ 0.70
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)7639501355
Direct Operating Cost$ 238$ 248$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)107108110
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $344,000 $ 412,000$ 920,000
Cockpit2
Min Crew1
Standard Cabin Seats3
Cabin
Total Seats245
Cockpit2
Min Crew1
Standard Cabin Seats3
Engine
FADECNoNoNo
ModelO-540O-540RR300
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGasJetFuel
TBO (hrs)220022002000
TBO (yrs)1212
Horsepower210225300
Fuel DeliveryCarburetedCarbureted
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)29.529.573.6
Dimensions
Length (ft)38.338.338.3
Overall Height (ft)10.810.811.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)333333
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.52.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)50
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18