206L-4 LongRanger vs 407GXi
The 407GXi leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) against the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) 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. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
206L-4 LongRanger vs 407GXi: the key differences
- The 407GXi delivers 2% more range (206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm; 407GXi: 330 nm).
- The 407GXi delivers 21% more cruise speed (206L-4 LongRanger: 110 kt; 407GXi: 133 kt).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger and 407GXi are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 7 seats.
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger), a gap of 26 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 407GXi is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,250 lbs versus 4,450 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 206L-4 LongRanger 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?
Choose the 407GXi when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 407GXi holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
206L-4 LongRanger vs 407GXi: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 407GXi?
The 407GXi has the longer published range — 330 nm versus 324 nm for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is faster, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 407GXi?
The 407GXi cruises faster, at 133 kt versus 110 kt for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is newer, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 407GXi?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Is the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 407GXi the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 407GXi is the larger aircraft — 5,250 lbs versus 4,450 lbs for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Should I buy the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 407GXi?
Choose the 407GXi when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 407GXi holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 206L-4 LongRanger vs 407GXi?
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.