206L-4 LongRanger vs R66 Turbine
The 206L-4 LongRanger leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) against the Robinson Helicopter R66 Turbine (introduced 2010) 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 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 R66 Turbine: the key differences
- The R66 Turbine delivers 8% more range (206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm; R66 Turbine: 350 nm).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger and R66 Turbine are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 110 kt.
- The 206L-4 LongRanger delivers 40% more passenger capacity (206L-4 LongRanger: 7 seats; R66 Turbine: 5 seats).
- The R66 Turbine is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger), a gap of 18 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 2,700 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 R66 Turbine when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 206L-4 LongRanger 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.
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206L-4 LongRanger vs R66 Turbine: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R66 Turbine?
The R66 Turbine has the longer published range — 350 nm versus 324 nm for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Does the 206L-4 LongRanger or R66 Turbine seat more passengers?
The 206L-4 LongRanger carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the R66 Turbine.
Which is newer, the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R66 Turbine?
The R66 Turbine is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Is the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R66 Turbine the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 206L-4 LongRanger is the larger aircraft — 4,450 lbs versus 2,700 lbs for the R66 Turbine.
Should I buy the 206L-4 LongRanger or the R66 Turbine?
Choose the R66 Turbine when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 206L-4 LongRanger 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 R66 Turbine?
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.