Robinson Helicopter Company
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| Type | Private |
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| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Torrance, California, USA |
| Key people | Kurt Robinson, President and Chairman |
| Products | Helicopters, |
| Revenue | $200 million annually |
| Employees | 1,200 |
| Website | Official Website |
The Robinson Helicopter Company, based at Zamperini Field in Torrance, California, is the largest manufacturer of civil helicopters in North America.
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[edit] History
It was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, an ex-employee of Bell Helicopter and The Hughes Helicopter Company. Since delivering its first helicopter in 1979, Robinson Helicopter has produced over 8,000 aircraft. (The number was hit by an R44.[1]) Robinson currently produces three models—the two-seat R22, the four-seat R44, both of which use Lycoming piston engines virtually identical to those found in fixed-wing general aviation aircraft, such as the Cessna 172, and the five seat R66 which uses a turbine.
In March 2007, Robinson announced plans for production of the Robinson R66, a five-seat helicopter of similar configuration to the R44, but with the addition of a luggage compartment, wider cabin (by 8 inches), and powered by a Rolls Royce gas turbine engine.
In December 2007, Robinson delivered its 800th helicopter for the year, a production record. The company was the highest rated helicopter manufacturer in Rotor and Wing magazine's survey of operators.[2]
[edit] Models
[edit] R22
Though originally designed primarily as a small two-seat helicopter for personal use, the Robinson R22 is a popular pilot training helicopter, due to its low price and low maintenance and operating costs. Its primary competitor, the Schweizer 300C, has a similar configuration, but is more limited production.
[edit] 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 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.
[edit] R66
The Robinson R66 is a five seat turbine powered helicopter. The R66 is between Robinson's four-seat piston-powered R-44 Raven 2 and the Bell 206 JetRanger in terms of performance. The Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft serves as the helicopter's engine. The R66 went into preliminary production in 2010, with the first delivered in November. Following this, the R66 went into full production in 2011.
[edit] Robinson Helipads
Robinson also produces the Robinson Helipad, a modular helipad designed for light helicopters. It is made from aluminum extrusions and is specifically designed for use on commercial and industrial building rooftops. It weighs about 1,600 lbs. and mounts to a three-beam understructure, which distributes the weight of the helipad and helicopter to the building support structure. It is designed specifically for helicopters with a gross weight up to 3,000 lb., and meets FAA recommended helipad size and International Building Code strength requirements.[3]
[edit] See also
- Silver State Helicopters—once the largest operator of Robinson Helicopters
[edit] References
- ^ "Robinson Delivers 8000th Helicopter" (Press release). Robinson Helicopter Company. November 30, 2007. http://www.robinsonheli.com/prarchive/pressrelease/rhc_delivers_8000th_helicopter.pdf. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
- ^ McKenna, James T. (December 1, 2007). "Rotor & Wing: Excellence Ratings: Setting the Standard". Rotor and Wing. Accessed May 12, 2010.
- ^ Robinson Helipads. Robinson Helicopter Company. Accessed May 12, 2010.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Robinson Helicopter Company |
- Robinson Helicopter Company website
- Robinson Helicopters Owners Group
- Robinson R-22/R-44 at Aircraft.co.za – The Complete Aviation Reference
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