Robinson R44 helicopter: the best-selling GA helicopter

2021-11-26 07:48:08 By : Ms. cherry cai

When we step into the world of rotor flight, Robinson is a name not to be missed. Robinson R44 helicopter is an iconic aircraft produced by Robinson Helicopters, with four seats and hydraulic assisted flight control. This light helicopter flew for the first time on March 31, 1990, and there is no turning back. It is the world's best-selling general aviation helicopter, famous for its famous sightseeing flights, light practical space, commercial and private services, and training purposes.

The 4-seat R-44 helicopter is a heavyweight helicopter with more than 6,331 built (by 2019). Robinson 22 is the predecessor of R44, designed by Frank D. Robinson in 1973. The Robinson R44 helicopter is based on a two-seater, single-engine, light and multifunctional R22. It has some groundbreaking features, but it also has some improvements. This light general-purpose R44 helicopter can flexibly carry three passengers and a "command pilot". It is larger, faster, and more comfortable than its predecessor, providing stable driving with hydraulic assistance and additional weight.

The R44 helicopter is powered by a single engine. It has a semi-rigid twin-propeller main rotor, twin-propeller tail rotor, taxiing device, T-ring, streamlined instrument panel, etc. It can fly in the air at a cruising speed of 202 km/h with a maximum total weight. After obtaining the FAA type certificate in December 1992, the R44 helicopter was delivered to Rotor World for the first time in January 1993. Since 1999, the R44 helicopter has surpassed the general aviation helicopter industry and reached the pinnacle of international success, producing most of the helicopters worldwide.

Robinson R44 is a reliable aircraft. Its heavyweight (maximum load of 1134 kg) is designed to operate stably through air turbulence and reduce the influence of wind.

R44 provides a closed cabin with two rows of seats for four people side by side. The passenger weight between three passengers is between 300 kilograms, and the fuel is optimized, demonstrating a large degree of versatility.

With sufficient horsepower capacity, the R44 helicopter provides a suitable power source, and its fuel consumption is half of that of a small turbo-powered helicopter. In the event of an engine failure, the pilot has more time to make corrections caused by the slow RPM decay, which can be achieved by higher blade inertia. The piston engine can change its power spontaneously during the go-around process without the need for turbo acceleration.

In order to make the flight easier and more stable, the hydraulic power of R44 can handle the air situation and achieve precise hovering, and reduce the fatigue of the pilot.

The Robinson R44 helicopter can fly far into the sky with a maximum range of 550 kilometers. If the fuel tank is full, you can enjoy 2 hours and 10 minutes of flight time with reasonable reserves.

The engine and airframe of the Robinson R44 helicopter, if properly maintained, have an approved service life of 2200 hours or 12 hours.

Quality manufacturing is Robinson's vision because it uses CNC machining centers, EDM, CMM, laser cutting machines, etc. to manufacture, assemble, inspect and flight test all R44 helicopters in the most advanced factories.

This feature simplifies the startup procedure and minimizes the possibility of overspeeding.

The maintenance of the R44 helicopter has been simplified. Apart from the oil change, no other expenses are required between 100-hour inspections. The maintenance-free flexible coupling, push-pull tube and bell crank, and Teflon-lined bearing characteristics ensure the longest flight time of the R44 helicopter in the air and the on-time maintenance of all components.

As the best-selling civilian helicopter and flight school favorite, Robinson R44 serves all over the world and is readily available at more than 400 Robinson-approved service centers.

Robinson R44 helicopter is the most popular helicopter model, shocking the aviation industry with its reliability, versatility and high-altitude performance. Some of its security features include:

The different variants of the R-44 helicopter include:

R44 Raven I and Clipper I helicopters are high-performance, responsive handling helicopters, ideal for private, commercial and utility applications, equipped with Lycoming 0-540 carburetor engine and carburetor thermal assist, which can provide maximum safety and reduction The benefits of pilot workload. The maximum total weight of these helicopters is 2,400 pounds, and the cruising speed exceeds 100 knots.

The lightweight and robust fuselage of this helicopter modification is made of aluminum hard shell and powder-coated steel pipe, which can provide fuel efficiency and airspeed optimization. The R44 helicopter has attracted much attention in terms of design, personal ownership, and stable flight through gusts and turbulence. It is equipped with a hydraulic pressure boost control device for response processing and the resulting zero cycle and collective feedback force. Robinson R44 Raven, I brought a new face at an affordable price that balanced its performance in the market.

Robinson R-44 Raven II was launched in July 2002. It is a single-engine light multifunctional trainer helicopter that combines high performance and power equipment with fuel injection, angle valve, and tuning induction Lycoming I0-540 engine. Its standard 28-volt power system allows for good start-up procedures in all weather conditions and provides additional power for optional materials. R44 Raven II performs very well in high altitude areas, with an operating life of more than 2100 hours. It can fly at a cruising speed of up to 116 knots under the maximum gross weight and is equipped with modern avionics, such as WAAS Enabled Garmin 530, Garmin GNS530 AW w/GI 106A, Popout buoy, dual communication options, IFR trainer, etc.

Robinson R44 Clipper II is equipped with a pop-up buoy, so it is stable on the water. The six-chamber float is designed to provide safety for water travel and inflates within 2-3 seconds after activation. Clipper II has a streamlined and low-profile design to reduce drag and allow easy entry and exit of the cabin.

Robinson R44 Cadet, launched in November 2015, is a reconfigured two-seater cargo helicopter powered by a six-cylinder engine Lycoming O-540. It is light in weight and reduced in power without sacrificing its performance in the air. Cadet is equipped with the latest streamlined instrument panel and crash-proof bladder-type fuel tank. It is an ideal helicopter for flight schools and those who want a small helicopter economy. Cadet with utility buoys provides an extra layer of safety for water operations, although it will reduce the cruising speed by approximately 10 knots.

The Robinson R66 helicopter is a derivative product of the R44 helicopter. It has five seats and a separate cargo compartment. It is the company's first turbo-powered product and is equipped with a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine. It is faster than the R44 because it can reach a speed of 140 knots and is more grunting than its predecessor.

Optional upgrades for the R44 helicopter include an air conditioning system that circulates cold air throughout the cabin, pilot's avionics console, Bendix/King and Garmin avionics upgrades, leather seats and Bose A20 aviation headsets.

In terms of price range, Robinson R-44 is one of the best helicopters. Different variants of R44, such as Raven or Raven II, have different price ranges. The basic list price of R44 Raven I ranges from US$400,000 to US$420,000, while the total hourly cost is approximately US$400. This is not an accurate snapshot of the market price of R44, as prices vary based on many factors. In 2021, the price of Robinson R44 Raven II may be around $525,000, depending on variables.

The multifunctional R44 helicopter is operated by civilian operators such as individuals, companies and flying clubs, as well as military and government operators such as the Bolivian Air Force, the Dominican Republic Army, the Estonian Air Force, and the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

R44 helicopters are no stranger to accidents and controversies, as they have a long history of fatal crashes. The lightweight version of the two-blade main rotor swayed on the hub at the top of the mast, which is said to be catastrophic under sudden, prolonged, or severe low-gravity conditions. The unique design of the Robinson helicopter rotor head is often questioned due to Robinson’s mast collision accident. Although it was labeled "exceptionally fatal" in the past on the grounds that it participated in 42 fatal crashes in the United States between 2002 and 2016, Robinson was reliable when flying under its operational restrictions. Rather than criticizing unexplainable in-flight failures, the most important thing is to solve the problem, collect the required evidence, and optimize aviation safety.

Robinson is a helicopter manufacturing company founded in 1973 by Frank D. Robinson. The aerospace company is headquartered in Torrance, California, and produces Robinson R22, Robinson R44 and Robinson R66 helicopters as well as helipads designed for light helicopters.