Robinson R88 vs Bell 407

The Bell 407 and the Robinson R88 are very different aircraft: the 407 is a proven, in- production single-turbine seating 7 with a 30-year operating record; the R88 is Robinson's upcoming 8-seat single-turbine, projected for first deliveries in 2027-2028 and not yet flying commercially.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Robinson R88
For sale now
3
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
2028–2028
Bell 407
For sale now
40
Median asking
$2,900,000
Range
$2,099,600–$4,205,348
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1997–2021

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 R88Bell 407
All events—148
Serious—15
Fatal—44
Fatalities—112
% Fatal—30%
View full Robinson R88 NTSB record →View full Bell 407 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R88 Bell 407
Robinson R88
View 3 listings →
Bell 407
View 37 listings →
Median $2,900,000
Price Range — $2,099,600 – $4,205,348
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats — 7
Horsepower — 675 HP
Cruise Speed — 133 kts (246 km/h)
Range — 330 nm (611 km)
Service Ceiling — 18,500 ft (5,639 m)
Max Gross Weight — 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg)
Useful Load — 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 131.0 gal (496 L)
Fuel Burn — 40.0 GPH (151 L/h)
TBO — 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $350,000
Annual Fixed — $100,000
Hourly Variable — $550
Engines — 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R88

Bell 407

Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $210,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R88 or Bell 407?

Bottom line: Choose the Bell 407 if you want a turbine helicopter you can buy and operate today, with a vast support network. Consider the R88 only if you specifically want Robinson's larger turbine and are willing to wait for production — and accept the unknowns of a new platform vs a proven one.

Pick the R88 if…

  • Newer design — production from 2027 vs 1996.

Pick the 407 if…

  • More inventory — 37 listings vs 3.

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 R88 or Bell 407?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R88 and Bell 407?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
407: about $550/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?
407: 7 seats / 2,347 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?
407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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