The Robinson R44 Raven I 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 I helicopter is R44. |
Robinson R44 Raven I s/n 0741 was registered N7187H in the USA by the Robinson Helicopter Company. On 17 May 2000,
registration N7187H was cancelled as exported to Germany, and registered D-HRAV with Heli Flight at Reichelsheim airfield.
In 2002 and in the period 2005 to 2009, Robinson R44 Raven I D-HRAV was leased by Ambulanz Millich-Rettungsdienst, Kessin. In 2011,
the helicopter was transferred to a privat owner and based at Baden-Baden Karlsruhe Airport (FKB / EDSB). In 2013, Schwarzwald Helikopter
became the operator of Robinson R44 Raven I D-HRAV. In April 2020, the helicopter was registered OE-XMY in Austria with a privat owner in
Germany. As before, Robinson R44 Raven I OE-XMY is based at Baden-Baden Karlsruhe Airport. On 7 June 2004, Robinson R44 Raven I D-HRAV was
seen in service with Heli-Flight at Flugplatz Reichelsheim (EDFB) in Germany. |