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Whilst resembling the earlier R-22, the piston engine powered four seat R-44 is much larger and is almost as long as the turbine powered Bell JetRanger. In developing the R-44, the Robinson Helicopter Company aimed to provide a relatively fast (205 to 215km/h [110 to 115kt] cruising speed) and useful four seat light helicopter that had performance close to that of turbine powered aircraft, yet with an acquisition cost of just a third of turbines and significantly lower maintenance costs.
The R-44 also uses the same simple design, construction and operating philosophies behind the design of the smaller two place R-22. A 260hp (194kW) Textron Lycoming O-540 flat six (derated to 225hp(165kW) for takeoff) drives two blade main and tail rotors, while other features include an electronic throttle governor, rotor brake and automatic clutch.
The R-44 is also offered in float equipped R-44 Clipper form (certificated in July 1996); the R-44 Police law enforcement machine with IR sensor or television camera mounted in a gyrostabilised nose turret, video monitor, a searchlight and bulged door windows (certificated in July 1997); and the R-44 Newscopter which can carry a TV camera in a nose turret.
In April 2000, the R-44 Raven was introduced, which has adjustable pedals, elastomeric tail rotor bearings, and a hydraulic flight control system. The Raven II, launched in 2003 has electronic ignition. |
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| Seating (normal) |
3 |
Max Takeoff (lbs) |
2,500 |
| Seating (maximum) |
3 |
Certified Ceiling (ft) |
- |
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| Engines |
Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 |
To (Sealevel, ISA Temp) (ft) |
- |
| Output lbs ea. Flat Rating |
205shp |
Landing Distance (ft) |
- |
| Maximum Mach No. |
- |
Max Range (fuel) (nm) |
350 |
| High Speed Cruise (Kts) |
130 |
Max Range (payload) (nm) |
350 |
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| Flight Time 300nm |
- |
Flight Time 1000nm |
- |
| Flight Time 600nm |
- |
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| External |
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Internal |
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| Length (ft) |
29.40 |
Length (ft) |
8.70 |
| Height (ft) |
10.70 |
Height (ft) |
4.00 |
| Span (ft) |
6.90 |
Width: Max floor (ft) |
4.10 |
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