| R44 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Light utility and trainer helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Company |
| Designer | Frank D. Robinson |
| First flight | March 31, 1990 |
| Introduction | 1993 |
| Status | in production |
| Unit cost | from US$425,000 (2011) |
| Developed from | Robinson R22 |
| Developed into | Robinson R66 |
The Robinson R44 is a four-place light helicopter produced by the Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992. Based on the company's two-place Robinson R22, the R44 features hydraulically-assisted flight controls. The R44 was first flown on 31 March 1990, and received FAA certification in December 1992, with the first delivery in February 1993.
Contents |
The R44 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.
Designed during the 1980s by Frank Robinson and his staff of engineers, the R44 first flew on March 31, 1990. The R44 Astro was awarded an FAA Type Certificate in December 1992, with the first deliveries taking place in January 1993. In January 2000, Robinson introduced the Raven with hydraulically-assisted controls and adjustable pedals. In July 2002, Robinson introduced the Raven II featuring a more powerful, fuel-injected engine and wider blades, allowing a higher gross weight and improved altitude performance.
In 1997, a Robinson R44 was piloted by Jennifer Murray for the first helicopter circumnavigation of the world by a woman, covering a distance of 36,000 miles in 97 days. Chilean president Sebastian Pinera owns one of these choppers, and has made several public appearances flying it. Since 2002, Belgian Prince Philippe flies a red R44 for personal leisure, with the unique registry code "OO-PFB", which stands for "Prins Filip België"[1]. British singer Jay Kay also owns an R44 (registry code G-JKAY), which he pilots in the music video to the song White Knuckle Ride.
The aircraft is operated by many private individuals, companies and flying clubs.
The R44 had 82 fatal accidents between July 1993 and November 2009 from a total of 289 incidents involving the Robinson R44.[3]
Data from Robinson R44 Raven II Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA approved rotorcraft flight manual, dated June 13, 2005.
General characteristics
Performance
|
|||||
|
||||||||||||||