Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Leonardo AW109 Grand New and the Robinson R44 Raven II sit in different helicopter categories. The AW109 Grand New is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at corporate, VIP, and higher‑utilization commercial missions, emphasizing redundancy, higher cruise speed, and greater payload flexibility. The R44 Raven II is a light single‑engine piston helicopter typically used for private flying, training, and light utility work, with simpler systems and lower operating costs. In range, the AW109 Grand New generally offers longer legs and higher cruise performance, with typical mission ranges on the order of roughly 500–600 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The R44 Raven II’s practical range is usually shorter, commonly around 300–350 nautical miles, again depending on fuel, payload, and conditions. Passenger capacity also differs. The AW109 Grand New is commonly configured for one or two pilots plus about six to seven passengers (layouts vary by interior and mission). The R44 Raven II typically carries one pilot plus up to three passengers, with four seats total.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.31 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | AW109 Grand New | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 464 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.91 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,140 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 156 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 7,800,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 995 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PW207C | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 735 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 152 | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.5 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 2.5 |