H135 vs R22 Beta II
The H135 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) against the Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta II (introduced 1985) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H135 carries more passengers. undefined
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H135 vs R22 Beta II: the key differences
- The H135 delivers 81% more range (H135: 343 nm; R22 Beta II: 190 nm).
- The H135 delivers 43% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; R22 Beta II: 96 kt).
- The H135 delivers 250% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; R22 Beta II: 2 seats).
- The H135 is the newer design (introduced 1996 versus 1985 for the R22 Beta II), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H135 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,415 lbs versus 1,370 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H135 runs 2 engines against 1 on the R22 Beta II — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
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 H135 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 H135 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The R22 Beta 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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H135 vs R22 Beta II: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the R22 Beta II?
The H135 has the longer published range — 343 nm versus 190 nm for the R22 Beta II.
Does the H135 or R22 Beta II seat more passengers?
The H135 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 2 on the R22 Beta II.
Which is faster, the H135 or the R22 Beta II?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 96 kt for the R22 Beta II.
Which is newer, the H135 or the R22 Beta II?
The H135 is the newer design, introduced in 1996 versus 1985 for the R22 Beta II.
Is the H135 or the R22 Beta II the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 1,370 lbs for the R22 Beta II.
Should I buy the H135 or the R22 Beta II?
On published specifications the H135 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The R22 Beta 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 H135 vs R22 Beta 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.