Robinson Helicopter

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The Robinson Helicopter Company of Torrance, California manufactures more civil helicopters than any other company in the world.

The company was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, an ex-employee of Bell Helicopter and Hughes Helicopter Company.

Since delivering their first helicopter in 1979, Robinson Helicopter has produced (as of November 2005) over 6000 aircraft.

The company produces two models — the two-seat R22, and the four-seat R44, both of which use Lycoming piston engines virtually identical to those found in general aviation fixed-wing aircraft, e.g., Cessna 172.

R22 — Though originally designed primarily as a small two-seat helicopter for personal use, the Robinson R22 has become a popular pilot training helicopter due to its low purchase price and low maintenance and operating costs. Its primary competitor, the Schweizer 300C, is of similar configuration, but is in much more limited production.

R44 — The Robinson R44 has become an increasingly strong competitor to the ubiquitous Bell 206, and is arguably surpassing the Bell in many areas. Though the Bell has the advantage of a larger cabin with more seats (four passengers plus pilot in the Bell vs. three passengers plus pilot in the R44) and carrying capacity, the dramatically higher cost of purchasing and maintaining a turbine-powered helicopter makes the Robinson a viable option for many prospective buyers.

The R44 is available in several different configurations, including versions for news gathering and law enforcement. The Clipper version is equipped with floats to enable water landings in the event of an emergency.