Robinson R88 vs Robinson R44

This compares today's best-selling four-seat R44 with Robinson's upcoming R88 — a large single-turbine with first deliveries projected for 2027–2028. One is a proven aircraft you can buy now; the other is a future model trading on pre-order.

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
Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
94
Source marketplaces
17
Model years available
1994–2026

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 R88Robinson R44
All events—366
Serious—33
Fatal—165
Fatalities—345
% Fatal—45%
View full Robinson R88 NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R88 Robinson R44
Robinson R88
View 3 listings →
Robinson R44
View 426 listings →
Median $337,560
Price Range — $103,500 – $722,186
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats — 4
Horsepower — 260 HP
Cruise Speed — 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range — 300 nm (556 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight — 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Useful Load — 882 lbs (400 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 48.0 gal (182 L)
Fuel Burn — 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO — 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $150,000
Annual Fixed — $25,000
Hourly Variable — $200
Engines — 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R88

Robinson R44

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R88 or Robinson R44?

Bottom line: choose the R44 if you want a proven four-seat helicopter available on the used market today at piston-economy cost. Consider the R88 only if you need a much larger turbine and are prepared to wait for production and pay turbine-class prices.

Pick the R88 if…

  • Newer design — production from 2027 vs 1993.

Pick the R44 if…

  • More inventory — 426 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 Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44: from $650,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R88 and Robinson R44?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/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?
R44: 4 seats / 882 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?
R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. 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