412EPX vs R44 Raven II
The 412EPX leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 412EPX (introduced 1981) 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 412EPX carries more passengers. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
412EPX vs R44 Raven II: the key differences
- The 412EPX delivers 34% more range (412EPX: 402 nm; R44 Raven II: 300 nm).
- The 412EPX delivers 11% more cruise speed (412EPX: 122 kt; R44 Raven II: 110 kt).
- The 412EPX delivers 225% more passenger capacity (412EPX: 13 seats; R44 Raven II: 4 seats).
- The R44 Raven II is the newer design (introduced 2002 versus 1981 for the 412EPX), a gap of 21 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 2,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 412EPX runs 2 engines against 1 on the R44 Raven II — 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 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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412EPX vs R44 Raven II: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 412EPX or the R44 Raven II?
The 412EPX has the longer published range — 402 nm versus 300 nm for the R44 Raven II.
Does the 412EPX or R44 Raven II seat more passengers?
The 412EPX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 4 on the R44 Raven II.
Which is faster, the 412EPX or the R44 Raven II?
The 412EPX cruises faster, at 122 kt versus 110 kt for the R44 Raven II.
Which is newer, the 412EPX or the R44 Raven II?
The R44 Raven II is the newer design, introduced in 2002 versus 1981 for the 412EPX.
Is the 412EPX or the R44 Raven II the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 412EPX is the larger aircraft — 11,900 lbs versus 2,500 lbs for the R44 Raven II.
Should I buy the 412EPX or the R44 Raven II?
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 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 412EPX 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.