MD 500E vs R22 Beta II
The MD 500E leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) beside the Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta II (introduced 1985) 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 MD 500E carries more passengers. undefined
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MD 500E vs R22 Beta II: the key differences
- The MD 500E delivers 22% more range (MD 500E: 232 nm; R22 Beta II: 190 nm).
- The MD 500E delivers 40% more cruise speed (MD 500E: 134 kt; R22 Beta II: 96 kt).
- The MD 500E delivers 150% more passenger capacity (MD 500E: 5 seats; R22 Beta II: 2 seats).
- The R22 Beta II is the newer design (introduced 1985 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The MD 500E is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,000 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 MD 500E 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 MD 500E 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.
More comparisons
MD 500E vs R22 Beta II: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the MD 500E or the R22 Beta II?
The MD 500E has the longer published range — 232 nm versus 190 nm for the R22 Beta II.
Does the MD 500E or R22 Beta II seat more passengers?
The MD 500E carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 5 seats, compared with 2 on the R22 Beta II.
Which is faster, the MD 500E or the R22 Beta II?
The MD 500E cruises faster, at 134 kt versus 96 kt for the R22 Beta II.
Which is newer, the MD 500E or the R22 Beta II?
The R22 Beta II is the newer design, introduced in 1985 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the MD 500E or the R22 Beta II the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the MD 500E is the larger aircraft — 3,000 lbs versus 1,370 lbs for the R22 Beta II.
Should I buy the MD 500E or the R22 Beta II?
On published specifications the MD 500E 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 MD 500E 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.