Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Robinson Helicopters R66 Marine
The Robinson R44 Raven I and Raven II are light, piston‑powered, four‑seat helicopters in the same general category, typically used for training, personal transport, and light utility work. Their passenger capacity is essentially the same (one pilot plus up to three passengers), and their practical range is broadly similar, with the Raven II generally offering slightly better high‑density‑altitude performance and useful load, which can translate into more flexibility with fuel and passengers on real trips. The Robinson R66 steps up a category to a light turbine helicopter. It remains a five‑seat aircraft (one pilot plus up to four passengers) and is aimed more at executive transport, utility missions, and operations where turbine reliability and performance are valued. Compared with the R44 variants, the R66 typically provides a longer usable range and better performance margins, especially in hotter or higher environments. The R66 Marine is fundamentally an R66 configured for over‑water and maritime use. Passenger capacity is the same as the standard R66, and range is generally comparable, though mission equipment and payload choices can affect real‑world trip length.
| Spec | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R44 Raven II | ROBINSON R66 | ROBINSON R66 Marine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| DOC / nm | $ 2.30 | $ 2.36 | $ 3.49 | $ 3.49 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | R44 Raven I | R44 Raven II | R66 | R66 Marine |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 300 | 300 | 350 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.57 | $ 0.59 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 950 | 995 | 1355 | 1355 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 248 | $ 257 | $ 384 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 108 | 109 | 110 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 412,000 | $ 490,000 | $ 920,000 | $ 965,000 |
| Cockpit | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | — | 3 | 3 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Cockpit | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | — | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | No | No | No | No |
| Model | O-540 | IO-540 | RR300 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 2200 | 2200 | 2000 | 2000 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 | — | — |
| Horsepower | 225 | 245 | 300 | 300 |
| Fuel Delivery | Carbureted | Fuel Injected | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 29.5 | 29.5 | 73.6 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 38.3 | 38.3 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.8 | 10.8 | 11.4 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 2.5 | 2.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 50 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 | 18 |