The Robinson R44 Astro is a single-engined light utility helicopter for up to 1 crew and 3 passengers, powered by a Lycoming O-540-F1B5 engine with carburettor. The Robinson R44 is built by the Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California. Development 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 R44 Raven with adjustable pedals and standard hydraulic controls. Today the four-seat Model R44 is the world's most popular helicopter with over 6.500 delivered to customers all over the world.
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the R44 Astro helicopter is R44.

In 2001, the Robinson R44 Astro s/n 0244 was registered D-HNAH with Heli Flight GmbH, Reichelsheim. Leased from Heli Flight, the 1996-built Robinson R44 Astro entered service with Ambulanz Millich-Rettungsdienst GmbH, known as NEH Bad Doberan. In 2008, Robinson R44 D-HNAH was replaced in service with Ambulanz Millich-Rettungsdienst GmbH by Robinson R44 Raven II D-HHRO. In 2011, the R44 D-HNAH was transferred to Aveo Air Service Ltd. & Co. KG, Essen-Mühlheim. On 7 June 2014, when seen at Flugplatz Hildesheim, the helicopter was operated by Aveo Air Service on sightseeing tours. On 16 August 2018, after the helicopter was withdrawn from use at Vamdrup in Denmark, registration D-HNAH was cancelled as exported. On 8 March 2019, the helicopter was registered N85CS in the US with Air Flight Enterprises Inc., Volusia, Florida. On 10 July 2019, registration N85CS was cancelled as exported to China Peoples Republic.

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