Robinson Helicopters R44 Cadet vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
All three models are light, single‑engine piston helicopters in the Robinson R44 family, typically used for training, touring, and utility flying. The R44 Cadet is optimized for flight training and cost efficiency; it is generally configured for two people (pilot plus one passenger) with simplified equipment and lower typical payload, and it tends to offer the shortest practical range of the three due to its training‑oriented configuration. The R44 Raven I is the standard four‑seat version (pilot plus up to three passengers) and provides more typical cross‑country capability than the Cadet, with a moderate range suited to regional trips. The R44 Raven II remains a four‑seat aircraft like the Raven I but uses an upgraded fuel‑injected engine and improved systems; in real‑world operations it is often chosen for better hot‑and‑high performance and efficiency, and it commonly delivers the best overall range and useful capability among the three, depending on equipment, loading, and operating conditions.
| Spec | ROBINSON R44 Cadet | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| DOC / nm | $ 2.22 | $ 2.30 | $ 2.36 |
| Total Seats | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | R44 Cadet | R44 Raven I | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 300 | 300 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 1.11 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.59 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 763 | 950 | 995 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 238 | $ 248 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 107 | 108 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $344,000 | $ 412,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Total Seats | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | O-540 | O-540 | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2200 | 2200 | 2200 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 210 | 225 | 245 |
| Fuel Delivery | Carbureted | Carbureted | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 29.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 38.3 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.8 | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |