Robinson R66 Marine vs Md Helicopters 500
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Robinson R66 Marine
- For sale now
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 2015–2025
Md Helicopters 500
No active listings right now.
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 R66 Marine | MD Helicopters 500 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R66 Marine | MD Helicopters 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $701,500 – $1,510,600 | — |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 270 HP | 420 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 232 nm (430 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,550 lbs (703 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $42,000 | $80,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $300 | $450 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbine | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R66 Marine
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$42,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$102,000/yr
MD Helicopters 500
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$450/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$170,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 Marine or MD Helicopters 500?
Pick the R66 Marine if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $450/hr.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 232 nm.
Pick the 500 if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 110 kts.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Robinson R66 Marine or MD Helicopters 500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R66 Marine cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range.
The 500 cruises at 135 kts with 232 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R66 Marine: from $680,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R66 Marine and MD Helicopters 500?
R66 Marine engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp).
Cruise: 110 vs 135 kts.
Range: 350 vs 232 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66 Marine: about $300/hr variable cost.
500: about $450/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
R66 Marine: 5 seats.
500: 5 seats / 1,550 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
R66 Marine: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
500: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data