Robinson R-44
- CountryUnited States of America
- TypeFour place piston engined light helicopter
- PowerplantsOne 195kW (260hp) Textron Lycoming O-540 flat six piston engine derated to 165kW (225hp) for takeoff and 153kW (205hp) for continuous operation driving a two blade main rotor and two blade tail rotor.
- PerformanceCruising speed at 75% power 209km/h (113kt). Initial rate of climb 1000ft/min. Service ceiling 14,000ft. Hovering ceiling in ground effect 6400ft, out of ground effect 5100ft. Max range with no reserves approx 645km (350nm).
- WeightsStandard empty 635kg (1400lb), max takeoff 1090kg (2400lb).
- DimentionsMain rotor diameter 10.06m (33ft 0in), length overall rotors turning 11.76m (38ft 7in), height 3.28m (10ft 9in). Main rotor disc area 79.5m2 (855.3sq ft).
- CapacityTypical seating for four, with two passengers on bench seat behind pilot and passenger.
- ProductionBy September 2000, 868 R-44s had been delivered since production began in late 1992.
While looking somewhat like the prior R-22, the cylinder motor fueled four seat R-44 is much bigger and is just about the length of the turbine controlled Bell Jetranger.
The correlation with the Jetranger is helpful as it gives a decent delineation of Robinson's outline logic in creating the R-44. The point in creating the R-44 was to give a moderately quick (205 to 215km/h [110 to 115kt] cruising velocity) and valuable four seat light helicopter that had execution near that of turbine fueled airplane, yet with a procurement expense of simply a third of turbines and essentially lower upkeep costs.
Robinson Helicopter Company president and author Frank Robinson first started configuration take a shot at a light four seat cylinder engined helicopter amid 1986. First and foremost flight happened on March 31 1990 after broad structural and element segment exhaustion testing. US FAA certificate was granted on December 10 1992, with conveyances starting before long.
The R-44 turned out to be extremely famous just about instantly and more than 860 have been assembled at Robinson's Torrance, California plant for clients around the world.
The R-44 likewise utilizes the same basic plan, development and working theories behind the configuration of the more modest two spot R-22. A 194kw (260hp) Textron Lycoming O-540 level six (derated to 165kw (225hp) for takeoff) drives two sharpened steel principle and tail rotors, while different gimmicks incorporate an electronic throttle representative, rotor brake and programmed grasp.
Separated from the standard R-44 Astro, the R-44 is likewise offered in buoy prepared R-44 Clipper structure (certificated in July 1996); the R-44 Police law requirement machine with IR sensor or TV Polaroid mounted in a gyrostabilised nose turret, feature screen, a searchlight and lump entryway windows (certificated in July 1997); and the R-44 Newscopter which can convey a TV Polaroid in a nose turret.
In April 2000, the R-44 Raven was presented, which has movable pedals, elastomeric tail rotor course, and a pressure driven flight control framework.
Pictures of Robinson R-44
