H225 Super Puma vs R22 Beta II
The H225 Super Puma leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H225 Super Puma (introduced 2004) beside the Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta II (introduced 1985) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H225 Super Puma carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H225 Super Puma vs R22 Beta II: the key differences
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 184% more range (H225 Super Puma: 540 nm; R22 Beta II: 190 nm).
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 48% more cruise speed (H225 Super Puma: 142 kt; R22 Beta II: 96 kt).
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 850% more passenger capacity (H225 Super Puma: 19 seats; R22 Beta II: 2 seats).
- The H225 Super Puma is the newer design (introduced 2004 versus 1985 for the R22 Beta II), a gap of 19 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (24,251 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 H225 Super Puma 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 H225 Super Puma 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 H225 Super Puma 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.
More comparisons
H225 Super Puma vs R22 Beta II: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H225 Super Puma or the R22 Beta II?
The H225 Super Puma has the longer published range — 540 nm versus 190 nm for the R22 Beta II.
Does the H225 Super Puma or R22 Beta II seat more passengers?
The H225 Super Puma carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 2 on the R22 Beta II.
Which is faster, the H225 Super Puma or the R22 Beta II?
The H225 Super Puma cruises faster, at 142 kt versus 96 kt for the R22 Beta II.
Which is newer, the H225 Super Puma or the R22 Beta II?
The H225 Super Puma is the newer design, introduced in 2004 versus 1985 for the R22 Beta II.
Is the H225 Super Puma or the R22 Beta II the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft — 24,251 lbs versus 1,370 lbs for the R22 Beta II.
Should I buy the H225 Super Puma or the R22 Beta II?
On published specifications the H225 Super Puma 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 H225 Super Puma 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.