206L-4 LongRanger vs R44 Raven II
The 206L-4 LongRanger leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) beside the Robinson Helicopter R44 Raven II (introduced 2002) 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 206L-4 LongRanger 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 R44 Raven II: the key differences
- The 206L-4 LongRanger delivers 8% more range (206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm; R44 Raven II: 300 nm).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger and R44 Raven II are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 110 kt.
- The 206L-4 LongRanger delivers 75% more passenger capacity (206L-4 LongRanger: 7 seats; R44 Raven II: 4 seats).
- The R44 Raven II is the newer design (introduced 2002 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger), a gap of 10 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 206L-4 LongRanger is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (4,450 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 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?
On published specifications the 206L-4 LongRanger 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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206L-4 LongRanger vs R44 Raven II: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R44 Raven II?
The 206L-4 LongRanger has the longer published range — 324 nm versus 300 nm for the R44 Raven II.
Does the 206L-4 LongRanger or R44 Raven II seat more passengers?
The 206L-4 LongRanger carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 4 on the R44 Raven II.
Which is newer, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R44 Raven II?
The R44 Raven II is the newer design, introduced in 2002 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Is the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R44 Raven II the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 206L-4 LongRanger is the larger aircraft — 4,450 lbs versus 2,500 lbs for the R44 Raven II.
Should I buy the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R44 Raven II?
On published specifications the 206L-4 LongRanger 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 206L-4 LongRanger 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.