|
The Robinson R44 Astro 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 Astro helicopter is R44. |
|
On 25 April 1995, Robinson R-44 Astro s/n 0154 was registered OY-HFV in Denmark with Fox Juliet. On 22 December 1997, registration
OY-HFV was cencelled as exported to the UK. The same day, the helicopter was registered G-BXPY in the UK with O. Desmet and B. Mprnie
in Belgium. In 2000, Air Technology at heliport Walem near Mechelen became the operator of the G-BXPY. On 18 June 2003, when seen at
Seppe airfield near Roosendaal in the Netherlands, the helicopter was based in Belgium and operated by Helicon on the inspection-flights on behalf
of the Gasunie. At the end of 2005, the G-BXPY was withdrawn from use and parked at heliport Walem near Mechelen. On 22 March 2006, the
G-BXPY was sold in Italy and registered with G. de Angelis in Rome. On 28 March 2006, begun the ferry-flight out of Mechelen-Walem to
Rome. On 17 October 2007, registration G-BXPY was cancelled as exported to Italy. On 19 January 2008, the Astro was registered I-IPAT
in Italy with Gruppo Salerno at Nepi (VT) on 10 January 2008. |
Luchtvaart déjà vu
