Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Schweizer Rsg 300cbi
All six are light helicopters, but they span piston and turbine categories and differ notably in reach and seating. The Enstrom 480B‑G is a light single‑engine turbine utility helicopter, typically configured for about five passengers plus a pilot, with a mid‑range mission profile. The Leonardo SH09 is also a light single‑engine turbine, aimed at multi‑role use; it generally targets around five passengers plus a pilot and similar mid‑range endurance. The MD 500E is a very light, agile single‑engine turbine in the “hot‑and‑high”/observation/utility class, usually carrying about four passengers plus a pilot, with shorter to mid range. The MD 600N stays in the light single‑turbine category but is larger than the 500E, commonly accommodating about five passengers plus a pilot and offering mid‑range capability. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine optimized for private and utility work, typically seating about four passengers plus a pilot with mid‑range legs. The Schweizer (RUAG) 300CBi is a light piston trainer/utility helicopter, usually around two passengers plus a pilot, and tends to have shorter range than the turbine models.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 600N | ROBINSON R66 | Schweizer RSG 300CBi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $4.48 | $ 2.95 | $ 4.06 | $ 3.49 | $ 1.68 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters | Scheizer RSG |
| Aircraft Name | SH09 | MD 500E | MD 600N | R66 | 300CBi |
| Certification | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Passengers | 7 | — | — | — | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 430 | 258 | 341 | 350 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 3 | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 2 | 5 | 3 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $627 | $ 398 | $ 545 | $ 384 | $ 158 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 140 | 135 | 134 | 110 | 94 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,500,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $3,400,000 | $ 920,000 | $ 360,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 1483 | 2000 | 1355 | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 2 | 5 | 3 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 5 | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Model | HTS 900 | 250-C20B | 250-C47 | RR300 | HIO-360-G1A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5500 | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 1020 | 420 | 715 | 300 | 180 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 | 41 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 64 | 118 | 73.6 | — |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | — | 30.9 | 36.9 | 38.3 | 30.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 8.7 | 9.7 | 11.4 | 8.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 26.4 | 27.5 | 33 | 26.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 50 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 18 | — |