Robinson R44 Helicopter

New Four-Seater Version of R22, More Space, Power, and Comfort.

May 6, 2008

Following the tremendous popularity of his R22, in the 1990s Frank Robinson developed a larger four-seater version, designed for touring and longer flights.

Frank Robinson founded the Robinson Helicopter Company in 1973, his aim being to design and manufacture a light, inexpensive helicopter for the general aviator. The R22’s popularity exceeded all expectations, and by 1988 Robinson was a leading producer of light helicopters, making more machines in that year than any other manufacturer in the world. So now it was time for something new…

New Four-Seater Helicopter Arrives.

In 1991 the first R44, designated the 'Astro' was exhibited for the first time, and the type received its FAA certificate in 1992. The first production R44 Astro was delivered the following year, and the first imports into the UK arrived in early 1994. In 1997 the Newscopter and R44 Police Helicopter were both developed. That same year, the R44 achieved instant fame when it became the first piston-engined helicopter to be flown around the world, by Quentin Smith and Jennifer Murray. The R44 Clipper was introduced in 1999, a version of the Astro with either fixed or pop-out floats.

The Raven – Better Version with Hydraulic Controls

Despite its apparent success, the Astro had many critics. The electronic trim was far from ideal, meaning the helicopter was difficult to fly without practice, and very tiring on long trips. So Frank Robinson worked on developing his own hydraulic system, being less than satisfied with the ones then available, and in 2000 the R44 'Raven', with hydraulic controls and adjustable pedals, was first produced. In that same year, Jennifer Murray became the first woman to fly a helicopter solo around the world, flying her own R44 Raven.

R44 Grows in Popularity

The Raven was extremely popular, and it continues to sell well. However, constantly looking to improve on things, in July 2002, Robinson introduced the new R44 'Raven II'. This fuel-injected model had a higher gross weight, more power, and increased performance at altitude. It was, everyone agreed, a beautiful helicopter to fly, and many prospective owners chose it rather than spending extra money on a turbine helicopter.

Flights to the Poles..and the Future

In October 2002, the R44 became the first piston helicopter to fly to the North Pole, piloted by Quentin Smith and Steve Brooks. Three years later, the same two pilots flew an R44 Raven II to the South Pole – another first piston helicopter record for the R44. The R44 Ravens and Clippers continue to grow in popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. The R44 had the most new sales for flying machines of any type (fixed-wing or rotary) in the UK for the five years 2000-2004. Currently 20 new R44s per week are being produced at the Robinson factory, and it is already outselling its more famous little brother, the R22. In fact, the R44 is well on course to be the most popular helicopter in the world.