Robinson R22 turns 40
Model became helicopter training icon
Robinson’s two-place R22 helicopter celebrates its fortieth birthday on March 16, and the company has marked the occasion by displaying a new R22—serial number 4797, and registered as N40YR—painted in the same colors as the first Robinson at the Helicopter Association International’s Heli-Expo in Atlanta March 4 through 7.
The anniversary aircraft’s interior is a far cry from that of the first R22, however. Its panel features modern avionics, including an Avidyne IFD 440 GPS/COM with built-in Wi-Fi and synthetic vision. It’s also equipped with a pilot’s-side accessory bar designed to hold personal electronic devices such as an iPad or iPhone.
Foreign markets contributed significantly to the success of the R22, which remains in production today, Robinson noted. “Overall 2018 was a good year for Robinson Helicopter. I say that ever year, but it’s been a good year for Robinson Helicopter.” The company delivered 316 aircraft last year, up from 305 in 2017 and 234 in 2016. Thirty-three of those helicopters were R22s; leading sales was the R44, with 209 produced.
Robinson said the company has estimated that its aircraft have flown 40 million hours over the past 40 years, and within the next few months its newest model—the turbine-powered R66—will mark 1 million hours flown. “It’s becoming a very reliable, dependable aircraft, and that’s what we want to build,” he said.
Robinson has added the Avidyne IFD 400-series touch-screen GPS navigators to its R22, R44, and R66 avionics options. The units can be operated using the touch screen or traditional buttons and knobs, or with Avidyne’s IFD100 app, which can connect to the navigator using the IFD’s integral Wi-Fi. Synthetic vision also is standard.
Beginning this year, the company is making the Garmin GTX 335 transponder with integral ADS-B Out standard on all of its helicopters.
Robinson said that a diesel-powered R44 is in development. It will be able to operate 2,000 feet higher than a piston-powered R44 and will burn less fuel. However, he cannot commit to a time frame for possible certification. “The problem is, you don’t know what you don’t know,” he said.
To enhance customer and service center support, Robinson is expanding from 8,000 square feet to 38,000 square feet at its facility dedicated to tear-down and rebuild components and aircraft. The goal is to accelerate service schedules, both at the factory and in the field. Robinson said the company was investing in cleaning and other equipment as part of this project.
Frank Robinson publicly retired from the company several years ago, with a form of dementia. “He’s happy, and he’s watching aviation shows all the time,” Kurt Robinson said.
