407GXi vs R22 Beta II
The 407GXi leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) and the Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta II (introduced 1985) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 407GXi carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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407GXi vs R22 Beta II: the key differences
- The 407GXi delivers 74% more range (407GXi: 330 nm; R22 Beta II: 190 nm).
- The 407GXi delivers 39% more cruise speed (407GXi: 133 kt; R22 Beta II: 96 kt).
- The 407GXi delivers 250% more passenger capacity (407GXi: 7 seats; R22 Beta II: 2 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1985 for the R22 Beta II), a gap of 33 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 1,370 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 407GXi 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 407GXi 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.
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407GXi vs R22 Beta II: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 407GXi or the R22 Beta II?
The 407GXi has the longer published range — 330 nm versus 190 nm for the R22 Beta II.
Does the 407GXi or R22 Beta II seat more passengers?
The 407GXi carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 2 on the R22 Beta II.
Which is faster, the 407GXi or the R22 Beta II?
The 407GXi cruises faster, at 133 kt versus 96 kt for the R22 Beta II.
Which is newer, the 407GXi or the R22 Beta II?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1985 for the R22 Beta II.
Is the 407GXi or the R22 Beta II the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 407GXi is the larger aircraft — 5,250 lbs versus 1,370 lbs for the R22 Beta II.
Should I buy the 407GXi or the R22 Beta II?
On published specifications the 407GXi 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 407GXi 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.