ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY

Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, The Robinson Helicopter Company has approximately 1000 employees and is presently the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. In addition, Robinson has a factory overhaul programme for older aircraft and conducts monthly safety courses for helicopter flight instructors and maintenance technicians. A network of more than 400 service centres of which 126 are authorised dealers provide world-wide service and support.

Robinson is an engineering company that places emphasis on research and development. Robinson’s latest model, the R66 Turbine, was FAA certified on 25 October 2010 and is Robinson’s largest and most powerful helicopter. The R66, like its predecessors the R22 and R44 was designed to perform as well or better than its competitors, but for a lot less money.

Research continues on the R22 and R44 models to enhance performance and further minimise maintenance. Some of the more recent developments include the pilot-side avionics’ console, air conditioning and LED technology for strobe and navigation lights. The R44 is offered in a variety of configurations, including the Clipper, outfitted with fixed or pop-out floats, the Police Helicopter, which is fully equipped for airborne law enforcement and the Newscopter specifically designed for high quality live television broadcasting.

During February 2016, Robinson announced that the company was officially accepting orders for its new two-place R44 Cadet. The R44 Cadet’s airframe, rotor system and power plant (Lycoming O-540-F1B5) are the same as the proven R44 Raven I. Where the Cadet differs is the rear seats have been removed providing ample cargo space, the maximum gross weight has been reduced to 2200 lbs and the engine power has been de-rated to 210 hp take off and 185 hp continuous.

The lower weight and de-rated power provide increased performance margins at high altitudes and extend the time between overhaul (TBO) from 2200 hours to 2400 hours, reducing operating costs. A variety of optional equipment including air conditioning, stability augmentation system and autopilot and avionic packages for VFR or IFR training are available.