The Robinson R44 Raven II is a single-engined light utility helicopter for up to 1 crew and 3 passengers, powered by a carburetted Lycoming
O-540-F1B5 piston engine. The Robinson R44 is built and developed by the Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California.
Design of the Model R44 began in 1985. The first prototype flew on 31 March 1990 and the second
in January 1991. Sales efforts got under way in March 1992 at a base price of 235.000 US-Dollars.
FAA Type Certification for the R44 Astro was achieved on 10 December 1992, and the first Robinson R44 Astro
was delivered in February 1993. In 2000, the R44 Astro was replaced as the main production model by the hydraulically-assisted
R44 Raven. The development from the first R44 Astro in 1993, via the R44 Raven I to
the first R44 Raven II delivered in 2002, has been remarkable. For the
pilot the most important difference is the conversion from a carbureted
engine on the Astro to injection and hydraulic controls on the Raven II.
Over 6500 of the four-seat Model R44s are delivered to customers all
over the world. The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Robinon R44 Raven II helicopter is R44 |
Permit to fly was issued in December 2007 and early 2008, Robinson R44 Raven II s/n 12029 was registered D-HALY in
Germany with Air Lloyd Deutsche Helikopter Flugservice GmbH, Bonn/Hangelar.
On 26 June 2010, after the Raven II was transferred to Heli Support in
Belgium, registration D-HALY was cancelled. On 29 June 2010, the Raven II was registered
OO-XSS with Heli Support, Vorst. On 19 August 2013, registration OO-XSS was cancelled, and on 4 September
2013, the Robinson R44 Raven II was registered N69WY in the USA with Aircraft Guaranty Corp., Onlaska, Texas.
On 26 June 2010, during the 80th Dutch TT, the 2007-built Robinson R-44 Raven II D-HALY was seen in service
with Heli Support at the helipad of the "Circuit van Drenthe" near Assen, the Netherlands. |