Robinson R44
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| R44 | |
|---|---|
 R44 Raven (carburated version) |
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| Type | Light utility and trainer helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Company |
| Designed by | Frank Robinson |
| Maiden flight | March 31, 1990 |
| Introduced | 1992 |
| Unit cost | from $375,000 |
| Developed from | Robinson R22 |
| Variants | Robinson R66 |
The Robinson R44 is a small American light, four-seat, piston-driven civilian helicopter produced by the Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992.
While resembling the company's earlier Robinson R22, the R44 is larger and faster than its predecessor. It also features boosted flight controls, a feature not found on the R22. The Astro model incorporates electric cyclic trim, whilst the Raven models have hydraulically assisted cyclic and collective controls.
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[edit] Design and development
The R44, designed during the 1980s by company president Frank Robinson and his staff of engineers, first flew on March 31, 1990. It was awarded an FAA Type Certificate in December 1992, with the first deliveries taking place shortly thereafter. Originally, the R44 Astro was the main production model, but was dropped in favor of the hydraulically-assisted R44 "Raven" in 2000. The Raven II model (2002 onwards) used a fuel injected engine, tuned induction, optional air conditioning, optional night VFR, 28-volt electrical system, and extended-chord blades for increased performance.
The R-44 is a single-engined helicopter with a semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor and a two-bladed tail rotor and a skid landing gear. It has an enclosed cabin with two rows of side-by-side seating for a pilot and three passengers.
Tail rotor direction of rotation on the R44 is reversed compared to the R22 for improved yaw control authority. On the R44 the advancing blade is on the bottom.
[edit] Operators
[edit] Accidents and incidents
On the 18th of February 2008, a Robinson R44 crash landed with minimal damage after after the "complete disintegration" of the tail rotor (caused by debris dropped from the open door of the helicopter). The incident occurred at an altitude of about 4500ft. Pilot Richard Hayes used forward momentum to maintain stability, and landed after a 25 minute flight to a local airfield. The landing speed was estimated at 80 knots, and the aircraft slid 45 metres on the grass airstrip before coming to a stop.[1]
[edit] Specifications (R44 Raven II)
Data from Robinson R44 Raven II Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA approved rotorcraft flight manual, dated June 13, 2005.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 (pilot)
- Capacity: 3 (passengers)
- Payload: 900 lb (408 kg)
- Length: (body only) 21 ft 5 in (9.0 m)
- Rotor diameter: 33 ft (10.1 m)
- Height: 10 ft 9 in (3.3 m)
- Empty weight: 1600 lb (726 kg)
- Loaded weight: 2500 lb (1134 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 6 cylinder, horizontally opposed, direct drive, air cooled, fuel injected, normally aspirated, 5 minute max of 245 bhp (183 kW), max continuous power of 205 bhp (153 kW) ()
- Main tank total capacity: 31.6 US gallons (120 liters)
- Main tank usable capacity: 30.6 US gallons (116 liters)
- Optional aux tank total capacity: 18.5 US gallons (70 liters)
- Optional aux tank usable capacity: 18.3 US gallons (69 liters)
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 130 kt (150 mph)
- Maximum speed: 130 kt (240 km/h) (150 mph)
- Cruise speed: 110 kt (127 mph)
- Range: 300 nm (560 km) (345 miles)
- Service ceiling 14,000 ft density altitude or 9,000 ft above ground level (in order to be able to reach ground within 5 minutes in case of fire) ()
The R44 can use either 100 low lead fuel or 100/130. Main tank holds 30.6 US gallons usable (116 liters), Aux tank holds 18.3 US gallons usable (69 liters). Tail rotor has a diameter of 4 ft 10 in (1.5 m) and the total length of the helicopter from rotor tip to tail is 38 ft 4 in (11.7 m)
[edit] See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Robinson Helicopter Company web site
- Robinson Helicopters Owners Group
- R44 Raven I owner's review
- European Aviation Safety Agency - Type Certificate Data Sheet - R44 and R44 II
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