Guimbal Cabri G2 vs Robinson Helicopters R22 Beta Ii
The Guimbal Cabri G2 and the Robinson R22 Beta II are both light, two-seat piston helicopters often used for training and private flying, but they sit in slightly different niches. In category terms, the Cabri G2 is a newer-generation two-seat trainer with a strong emphasis on modern safety features and handling stability, while the R22 Beta II is a long-established, widely deployed two-seat trainer known for simplicity, low operating cost, and a large global support network. Passenger capacity is essentially the same for both: one pilot and one passenger/student. On range, both are broadly comparable in typical training or local flight profiles, with real-world differences depending heavily on fuel load, power settings, and environmental conditions; the Cabri G2 often advertises endurance-oriented capability thanks to efficient operation, while the R22’s range is also solid but can be more sensitive to loading and operational constraints. Overall, capacity is equal, category is similar but with different design eras, and range is close enough that mission profile usually matters more than the spec sheet.
| Spec | Guimbal Cabri G2 | ROBINSON R22 Beta II |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| DOC / nm | $ 1.71 | $ 1.80 |
| Total Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Guimbal | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | Cabri G2 | R22 Beta II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 406 | 250 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.90 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 617 | 490 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 171 | $ 173 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Guimbal Digtal EPM | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 100 | 96 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $385,000 | $ 312,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Total Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | 0-360-J2A | O-360 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2000 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 131 |
| Fuel Delivery | Carbureted | Carbureted |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 115 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 20.7 | 28.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.2 | 8.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 23.7 | 25.2 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 0.7 | 1.5 |