HangarMart
Compare412EPX vs R66 Turbine
Aircraft comparison

412EPX vs R66 Turbine

The 412EPX leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.

Cross-shopping the Bell Textron 412EPX (introduced 1981) 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 412EPX carries more passengers. undefined

412EPX

Bell Textron

412EPX

R66 Turbine

Robinson Helicopter

R66 Turbine

Performance
Range
402 nm
350 nm
Cruise speed
122 kt
110 kt
Max speed
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Service ceiling
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Rate of climb
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Capacity & dimensions
Max seats
13
5
Crew
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Max takeoff weight
11,900 lbs
2,700 lbs
Length
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Cabin height
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Powerplant
Engines
2 × Turboshaft
1 × Turboshaft
Engine model
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3DF
Rolls-Royce RR300

6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.

412EPX vs R66 Turbine: the key differences

  • The 412EPX delivers 15% more range (412EPX: 402 nm; R66 Turbine: 350 nm).
  • The 412EPX delivers 11% more cruise speed (412EPX: 122 kt; R66 Turbine: 110 kt).
  • The 412EPX delivers 160% more passenger capacity (412EPX: 13 seats; R66 Turbine: 5 seats).
  • The R66 Turbine is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1981 for the 412EPX), a gap of 29 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 2,700 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 R66 Turbine — 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 R66 Turbine 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.

412EPX vs R66 Turbine: FAQs

Which has the longer range, the 412EPX or the R66 Turbine?

The 412EPX has the longer published range — 402 nm versus 350 nm for the R66 Turbine.

Does the 412EPX or R66 Turbine seat more passengers?

The 412EPX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 5 on the R66 Turbine.

Which is faster, the 412EPX or the R66 Turbine?

The 412EPX cruises faster, at 122 kt versus 110 kt for the R66 Turbine.

Which is newer, the 412EPX or the R66 Turbine?

The R66 Turbine is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1981 for the 412EPX.

Is the 412EPX or the R66 Turbine the larger aircraft?

By maximum takeoff weight the 412EPX is the larger aircraft — 11,900 lbs versus 2,700 lbs for the R66 Turbine.

Should I buy the 412EPX or the R66 Turbine?

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 R66 Turbine 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 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.

How advisory works