Enstrom Helicotper F 28f vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Robinson Helicopters R22 Beta Ii
The Enstrom F-28F, MD Helicopters MD 520N, and Robinson R22 Beta II are all light civil helicopters, but they sit in different niches. The Enstrom F-28F is a light piston helicopter typically used for training, patrol, and utility work; it generally carries a pilot plus two passengers (three total) and offers a moderate range for its class, roughly a few hundred miles depending on fuel and conditions. The MD 520N is a light turbine helicopter aimed more at professional missions such as law enforcement, utility, and executive transport; it commonly seats up to five (pilot plus four) and usually provides the longest practical range of the three, again on the order of a few hundred miles with mission-dependent reserves. The Robinson R22 Beta II is a very light piston helicopter optimized for affordability and primary training; it carries two (pilot plus one) and typically has the shortest range among the three, though still suitable for local and regional flights.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 520N | ROBINSON R22 Beta II |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.38 | $ 1.80 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | MD 520N | R22 Beta II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 210 | 250 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.85 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1764 | 490 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 416 | $ 173 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 96 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,900,000 | $ 312,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20R | O-360 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 450 | 131 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 115 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Carbureted |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 31.4 | 28.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 27.4 | 25.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 1.5 |