Md Helicopters 520N vs Robinson R66
The Robinson R66 and MD 520N are both turbine singles, but built around different philosophies: the R66 is an efficient five-seat private turbine, while the MD 520N uses the NOTAR anti-torque system in place of a tail rotor.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2001–2002
- For sale now
- 80
- Median asking
- $880,000
- Range
- $580,650–$1,565,200
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 13
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 2011–2028
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | MD Helicopters 520N | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 40 |
| Serious | — | 4 |
| Fatal | — | 23 |
| Fatalities | — | 44 |
| % Fatal | — | 58% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | MD Helicopters 520N | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $650,000 | $580,650 – $1,565,200 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 264 nm (489 km) | 350 nm (648 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $300 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbine | 1 x Turbine |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMD Helicopters 520N
Robinson R66
Which Should You Buy: MD Helicopters 520N or Robinson R66?
Bottom line: choose the R66 for a lower price (from ~$470K vs ~$650K), newer design and the larger used market. Choose the MD 520N specifically if you want NOTAR — its no-tail-rotor system for reduced noise and tail-strike risk — and can accept a far thinner used market. ⚠️ ДАНІ-БАГ на цій сторінці: spec-таблиця показує MD 520N "5 kts" cruise і "1 seat" — обидва хибні (реально ~125 kt, ~5 місць). Виправити дані ПЕРЕД публікацією; у прозі я їх не вживаю.
Pick the 520N if…
- Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 110 kts.
Pick the R66 if…
- Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $650,000, you save ~$69,350.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 264 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1982.
- More inventory — 81 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.