206L-4 LongRanger vs 412EPX
The 412EPX leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) beside the Bell Textron 412EPX (introduced 1981) 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 412EPX carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
206L-4 LongRanger vs 412EPX: the key differences
- The 412EPX delivers 24% more range (206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm; 412EPX: 402 nm).
- The 412EPX delivers 11% more cruise speed (206L-4 LongRanger: 110 kt; 412EPX: 122 kt).
- The 412EPX delivers 86% more passenger capacity (206L-4 LongRanger: 7 seats; 412EPX: 13 seats).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger is the newer design (introduced 1992 versus 1981 for the 412EPX), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 412EPX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (11,900 lbs versus 4,450 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 206L-4 LongRanger runs 1 engine against 2 on the 412EPX — 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 412EPX 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 412EPX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 206L-4 LongRanger 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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206L-4 LongRanger vs 412EPX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 412EPX?
The 412EPX has the longer published range — 402 nm versus 324 nm for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Does the 206L-4 LongRanger or 412EPX seat more passengers?
The 412EPX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 7 on the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is faster, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 412EPX?
The 412EPX cruises faster, at 122 kt versus 110 kt for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is newer, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 412EPX?
The 206L-4 LongRanger is the newer design, introduced in 1992 versus 1981 for the 412EPX.
Is the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 412EPX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 412EPX is the larger aircraft — 11,900 lbs versus 4,450 lbs for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Should I buy the 206L-4 LongRanger or the 412EPX?
On published specifications the 412EPX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 206L-4 LongRanger 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 206L-4 LongRanger vs 412EPX?
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.