Robinson R44
| 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 |
| Produced | 5324 (2011) |
| Developed from | Robinson R22 |
| Developed into | Robinson R66 |
The Robinson R44 is a four-seat 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.
Design and development
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 Sebastián Piñera 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.
Operators
Civilian Operators
The aircraft is operated by many private individuals, companies and flying clubs.
Police Operators
Military operators
- Bolivian Air Force (Colegio Militar de Aviacion,Grupo Aereo de Entrenamiento "22")
- Hungarian Air Force (used for helicopter pilot training)
- Lebanese Air Force operates four R44 Raven II
Accidents and incidents
An amateur database reported a total of 89 fatal accidents between July 1993 and June 2010 from a total of 296 incidents involving the Robinson R44.[3]
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: one or two pilots
- Capacity: four, including pilotFuel: 100 low lead (100LL) fuel or 100/130.
- Main tank capacity: 31.6 US gallons (120 liters)
- Main tank usable fuel: 30.6 US gallons (116 liters)
- Auxiliary tank capacity: 18.5 US gallons (70 liters)
- Auxiliary tank usable fuel: 18.3 US gallons (69 liters)
Performance
- Altitude restrictions: 14,000 ft (4,300 m) density altitude or 9,000 ft (2,700 m) above ground level in order to be able to reach ground within 5 minutes in case of fire.
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- ^ "Flying prince Philip again aggravates inhabitants of Brussels". Het Belang Van Limburg. 7-4-2011. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "PNP gets 3 Raven choppers for anti-crime operations". GMA News. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
- ^ "R44 Accident Database". Griffin Helicopters. Retrieved 2012-01-20.
External links
