Robinson R44 Raven II vs Robinson R44 Astro
The Robinson R44 has evolved across three generations on the same airframe. The original Astro (1993) introduced the four-seat R44; the Raven I added hydraulic flight controls and refinements; and the current fuel-injected Raven II delivers the best hot-and-high performance and the strongest resale. All three share the 2,200-hour / 12-year overhaul cycle.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 269
- Median asking
- $369,900
- Range
- $120,366–$759,637
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 60
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 2001–2026
- For sale now
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1994–1999
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) | Robinson R44 Raven II | Robinson R44 Astro |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 2 | — |
| % Fatal | 33% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Raven II | Robinson R44 Astro |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $120,366 – $759,637 | $26,237 – $130,900 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 113 kts (209 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 994 lbs (451 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 46.0 gal (174 L) | 31.0 gal (117 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Raven II
Robinson R44 Astro
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Raven II or Robinson R44 Astro?
Bottom line: buy a Raven II for the newest systems, the best altitude performance and the strongest resale; choose a Raven I for a lower entry price on the same airframe at lower altitudes; pick an Astro only if entry price is the single priority and you accept the oldest airframe. Most buyers are best served by the Raven II unless budget is the deciding factor.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 110 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1993.
- More inventory — 258 listings vs 5.
Pick the R44 Astro if…
- Budget matters — from $26,237 vs $120,366, you save ~$94,129.
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $200/hr.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.