Zakopane 8-11-2024
Robinson R44 Raven II light helicopter.
The success of the Robinson R22 helicopter led to the Robinson Helicopter Company deciding to build a larger helicopter for 4 people. The R44 helicopter made its first flight on March 31, 1990. The helicopter received FAA certification in December 1992. Serial production began in 1993. The R44 helicopter has been the world’s best-selling general aviation (GA) helicopter since 1999. The R44 helicopter was built in 5,941 units between 2001 and 2020. By the end of 2023, 6,866 Robinson helicopters of all versions were built.
The R44 helicopter is based on the R22 helicopter design. One interesting fact is that the direction of the tail rotor movement has been changed compared to the R22 to improve its yaw control. The R44 helicopter is powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5, 6-cylinder, opposed-cylinder engine with a power of 183 kW (248.81 hp). Several modifications were made during production. In July 2002, the Robinson Raven II helicopter was introduced, featuring a more advanced fuel-injected engine and wider rotor blades, allowing for increased gross weight and altitude.
Robinson Helicopter Company also developed the R66 helicopter, which is powered by a turbine engine. The helicopter carries 5 people.
Robinson R44 design.
The Robinson R44 is a four-seat light helicopter produced by Robinson Helicopter Company since 1993. The design is based on the two-seat Robinson R22. The R44 helicopter is equipped with hydraulic power-assisted flight controls. The R44 helicopter is a single-engine helicopter with a semi-rigid two-blade main rotor, a two-blade tail rotor and skid landing gear. The machine has an enclosed cabin with two rows of side-by-side seats for the pilot and three passengers. In July 2002, Robinson introduced the R44 Raven II, equipped with a more powerful fuel-injected engine and wider blades, which allowed for a higher gross weight and better performance at altitude.
T-T Robinson R44 data: Main rotor diameter 33 ft (10 m). Length 38 ft 3 in (11.66 m). Height 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m). Tail rotor diameter 3 ft 6 in (1.1 m). Empty weight 1,505 lb (683 kg). Takeoff weight 2,500 lb (1,134 kg). Helicopter payload 683 kg. Maximum speed 130 kn (150 mph, 240 km/h). Cruise speed 109 kn (125 mph, 185-202 km/h). Practical ceiling 14,000 ft (4,300 m). Maximum range 300 nmi (350 mi, 560 km). Fuel capacity 31.6 US gal (26 imp gal; 120 l). Fuel 100 octane low lead (100LL) fuel or 100/130 octane. Fuel consumption 15 gallons per hour (12 imp gal/h; 57-65 l/h. Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 245 hp (183 kW).
Robinson R44 Raven II SP-HKR.
Robinson R44 Raven II SP-HKR, Serial No. 13 182. Production 2011. Helicopter price in 2024; USD 520,000, PLN 2,242,240. Operator: Helipoland.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman