Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Schweizer Rsg 300cbi
The MD Helicopters MD 600N and Robinson R66 are light turbine utility helicopters, while the Schweizer RSG 300CBi is a lighter piston-powered training/utility helicopter. In category terms, the MD 600N is typically positioned as a higher-capacity light single-turbine aircraft with strong hot-and-high and external-load utility credentials, whereas the R66 is a light single-turbine helicopter aimed at personal and light commercial missions with a simpler operating profile. The RSG 300CBi sits in a lighter class and is generally used more for primary training and economical local operations. For range, both turbine models (MD 600N and R66) commonly offer longer practical cross-country capability than the RSG 300CBi, with the MD 600N often competitive or better depending on tank configuration and mission profile, and the R66 typically delivering solid touring range for its class. Passenger capacity generally favors the MD 600N, which is commonly configured to carry more occupants than the R66, while the RSG 300CBi typically carries fewer people than either turbine model.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 600N | ROBINSON R66 | Schweizer RSG 300CBi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.06 | $ 3.49 | $ 1.68 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters | Scheizer RSG |
| Aircraft Name | MD 600N | R66 | 300CBi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 350 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.68 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2000 | 1355 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 545 | $ 384 | $ 158 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 134 | 110 | 94 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,400,000 | $ 920,000 | $ 360,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | 250-C47 | RR300 | HIO-360-G1A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 715 | 300 | 180 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 41 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 118 | 73.6 | — |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 36.9 | 38.3 | 30.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.7 | 11.4 | 8.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 27.5 | 33 | 26.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 50 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 | — |