H130 vs R44 Raven II
The H130 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) and the Robinson Helicopter R44 Raven II (introduced 2002) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H130 carries more passengers. undefined
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H130 vs R44 Raven II: the key differences
- The H130 delivers 12% more range (H130: 335 nm; R44 Raven II: 300 nm).
- The H130 delivers 18% more cruise speed (H130: 130 kt; R44 Raven II: 110 kt).
- The H130 delivers 100% more passenger capacity (H130: 8 seats; R44 Raven II: 4 seats).
- The H130 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 2002 for the R44 Raven II), a gap of 10 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H130 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,070 lbs versus 2,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the H130 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the H130 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The R44 Raven II can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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H130 vs R44 Raven II: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H130 or the R44 Raven II?
The H130 has the longer published range — 335 nm versus 300 nm for the R44 Raven II.
Does the H130 or R44 Raven II seat more passengers?
The H130 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 4 on the R44 Raven II.
Which is faster, the H130 or the R44 Raven II?
The H130 cruises faster, at 130 kt versus 110 kt for the R44 Raven II.
Which is newer, the H130 or the R44 Raven II?
The H130 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2002 for the R44 Raven II.
Is the H130 or the R44 Raven II the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H130 is the larger aircraft — 5,070 lbs versus 2,500 lbs for the R44 Raven II.
Should I buy the H130 or the R44 Raven II?
On published specifications the H130 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The R44 Raven II can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the H130 vs R44 Raven II?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.