Robinson R44

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1989 Robinson R44

The Robinson R44 is a small 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 somewhat larger and faster than its predecessor. It also features boosted flight controls, a feature not found on the R-22. The Astro model has electrically boosted cyclic control whilst the Raven models have hydraulically assisted cyclic and collective controls.

History

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 favour of the hydraulically-assisted R44 "Raven" in 2000. The Raven II model (2002 onwards) used a fuel injected engine and modified blades for increased performance.

Variants

Astro

This was the main production model from 1992 to 2000

Raven

This is the current main production model, featuring hydraulic controls. Available as carburated engine (Raven) and fuel injected (Raven II).

Clipper

A Raven or Astro, modified with floats, for water-born operations.

Police

A law enforcement modification of one of the main production models, with a belly-mounted searchlight, a nose gimbal FLIR system, and enlarged windows.

Newscopter

An ENG modification of one of the main production models. Modified with a gyro-stabilized nose camera and air-to-ground video transmission capability.

Specifications

Length: 11.76 m (38 ft 7 in)
Rotor Diameter: 10.06 m (33 ft)
Height: 3.28 m (10 ft 9 in)
Engine: Lycoming O-540 flat-six piston engine
Rotors: 2-bladed main rotor and tail rotor, teetering hinge
Empty weight: 635 kg (1400 lb)
Maximum Take-Off Weight: 1090 kg (2400 lb)
Cruise Speed: 209 km/h (113 knots)
Maximum Speed (Vne): 240 km/h (130 knots)
Range: 635 km (340 nm)
Endurance: approx. 3 hours
Capacity: Pilot and 3 passengers

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