MD 500E vs R66 Turbine
The MD 500E leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) and the Robinson Helicopter R66 Turbine (introduced 2010) 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 range, where the R66 Turbine has the advantage. undefined
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MD 500E vs R66 Turbine: the key differences
- The R66 Turbine delivers 51% more range (MD 500E: 232 nm; R66 Turbine: 350 nm).
- The MD 500E delivers 22% more cruise speed (MD 500E: 134 kt; R66 Turbine: 110 kt).
- The MD 500E and R66 Turbine are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 5 seats.
- The R66 Turbine is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 28 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 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 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?
Choose the R66 Turbine when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the MD 500E when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the MD 500E 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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MD 500E vs R66 Turbine: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the MD 500E or the R66 Turbine?
The R66 Turbine has the longer published range — 350 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the MD 500E or the R66 Turbine?
The MD 500E cruises faster, at 134 kt versus 110 kt for the R66 Turbine.
Which is newer, the MD 500E or the R66 Turbine?
The R66 Turbine is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the MD 500E or the R66 Turbine the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the MD 500E is the larger aircraft — 3,000 lbs versus 2,700 lbs for the R66 Turbine.
Should I buy the MD 500E or the R66 Turbine?
Choose the R66 Turbine when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the MD 500E when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the MD 500E 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 MD 500E 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.