Robinson Helicopter Company, A World Leader In Civil Piston & Turbine Helicopters
The story goes that as a kid, Frank Robinson saw a photo in a Seattle newspaper of Igor Sikorsky, the pioneering helicopter designer whose company would go on to produce the iconic Black Hawk and Seahawk military helicopters, hovering in a helicopter. The notion of a machine suspended in the air sent Robinson down a path that led him to jobs at Cessna Aircraft Company, Kaman Aircraft, Bell Helicopter, and Hughes Helicopters before launching Robinson Helicopter Company in 1973. Along with Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and Bell, Robinson is a leading global manufacturer, having produced thousands of R66, R44, and R22 piston- and turbine-powered civil helicopter models and variants.
Living The Dream
By the time Frank Robinson retired in 2010 at age 80, he had accumulated a lengthy list of awards and distinctions for his helicopter-related work, including winning the Daniel Guggenheim Medal in 2013 and becoming a U.S. National Academy of Engineering member and American Helicopter Society fellow. Initially, though, Robinson started his company because he had trouble interesting his previous employers in his concept of a small, affordable civil helicopter.
Robinson’s early designs led to the two-seat, piston-powered R22, which first flew in 1975 and received FAA type certification in 1979. Within years of delivering the first R22 production model, Robinson cemented itself as a leading manufacturer in the market. More than 12,000 deliveries later, the company still calls its Torrance, California, headquarters at the Torrance Municipal Airport home. Employing more than 1,100 people globally, Robinson touts a global network of 400-plus service centers and dealers and offers a factory overhaul program for its older models.
Swoosh Family Robinson
Today, the latest R22 variant is the two-bladed, single-engine, light utility R22 Beta II, which follows the R22 HP, R22 Alpha, and R22 Beta models, as well as police and mariner variants. Powered by a Lycoming O-360 engine and used for training, large cattle operations, and other purposes, the R22 Beta II has a maximum gross weight of 1,370 pounds (621 kilograms), max cruise speed of 96 KTAS (178 km/h), maximum range of about 250 nautical miles (460 kilometers), and max operating altitude of 14,000 feet (4,267 meters).
Along with the R66, Robinson cites the four-seat, piston-powered R44 as its best-selling model. Entering development in the mid-1980s, the R44 first flew in 1990 before its release in 1993. The R44 is available in several variations, including the R44 Raven I/Clipper I, the R44 Raven II/Clipper II, the R44 Newscopter, and the R44 Police Helicopter. The latest variant is the R44 Cadet, a light, efficient two-seat design that delivers the performance of a larger helicopter and is well-suited for use as a trainer. Announced in 2015, the Cadet closely mimics the R44 Raven I’s construction, including its Lycoming O-540 engine and airframe, but has a cargo area in place of the back seats found in the Raven I/Clipper I.
Time To Turbine
Initially entering design work in 2001, the five-seat R66 marked a departure for Robinson in that it was the company’s first turbine-powered model. First delivered in November 2010 and powered by a Rolls Royce RR300 turbine engine, the R66 would elicit 100 orders from customers by 2010’s end, according to Robinson. In addition to the R66 Turbine and the closely related R66 Turbine Marine (a model fitted with pop-out floats), Robinson offers Police and Newscopter variants of the R66, with the latter receiving its FAA certification in July.
Featuring a baggage compartment with 300-pound (136 kilograms) capacity, the R66 Turbine has a max gross weight of 2,700 pounds (1,225 kilograms), a 110 KTAS (204-km/h) cruise speed at its max gross weight, a roughly 350-nautical-mile (648-kilometer) max range, and a 14,000-foot (4,267-meter) max operating altitude.
Copters & More
In addition to its variety of helicopter models, Robinson also sells the Robinson MT950 electric tow cart. Designed for the R22, R44, and R66, the cart supports one-person operation. The company’s Robinson Helipad, meanwhile, is a weather-resistant, lightweight, aluminum-constructed pad designed for rooftop use.
If you're in the market for a pre-owned Robinson helicopter, you'll find a variety of options on Controller.com.