ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY

Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter is located in Torrance, California. Robinson employs approximately 1000 employees and is presently the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. Robinson helicopters are offered in a multitude of sizes and configurations. Robinson is an engineering company that puts great emphasis on research and development. Some of the company’s more recent developments include, lithium-Ion batteries, heated seats, a cockpit cabin camera (standard on the R66), impact resistant windshields and two axillary fuel tanks 23- or 43-gallon capacity that add approximately one or two hours of endurance and extend the helicopter’s range by 100 or 200 nautical miles (aux tanks are only available on the R66).

Located in Southern California, Robinson’s factory was designed and built for helicopter manufacturing. The facility is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art machinery, including CNC (computer numerically controlled) machining centres and CMM (coordinate measuring machines). To maintain the highest quality, most operations including welding, machining, assembly, painting and flight testing are performed at the Torrance facility. In 2010 Robinson added 133,000 square feet of manufacturing space bringing the company’s total manufacturing space to 617,000 square feet.

In addition, Robinson has a factory overhaul program 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.