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The Robinson R22 Beta is a two-seat small rotorcraft powered by a single Lycoming O-360-B2C four-cylinder,
air-cooled piston engine. The R22 was designed by the founder of the Robinson Helicopter Company, Frank Robinson.
Design of the Robinson R22 helicopter began in 1973, and an 85kW (115hp) Lycoming O235 powered prototype flew for
the first time on 28 August 1975. A second followed in early 1977. The FAA certification (TCDS H10WE) was achieved on 16 March
1979 and deliveries started in October of that year. On 12 October 1983, the R22 Alpha model was ceritified. On 5 August 1985, the
R22 Beta model was certified, followed by the R22 Mariner model on 12 September 1985. The R22 Beta had a larger oil cooler and
associated installation changes were made to permit the 131 hp. takeoff rating with the O-320 engine. In 1995, the R22 Beta model,
with the Lycoming O-360-J2A engine installed, entered production. This engine is installed on s/n 2571 and subsequent in production.
R22 Beta II is used as marketing designation for the R22 Beta with O-360-J2A engine installed. Over 4600 Robinson R22 helicopters are
delivered to customers all over the world.
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Robinson R22 Beta is R22. |
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The 1985-built Robinson R22 Beta s/n 0505 was registered first N2270B in the USA in July 1985. On 11 November 1985,
the helicopter was registered G-BMIZ in the UK with Sloane Helicopters, London. On 11 December 1985, registration
G-BMIZ was cancelled as exported to Belgium and the helicopter was registered OO-VCE in Belgium the same day.
However the Belgian CAA gives the Robinson as registered OO-VCE on 11 December 1985, the aircraft should have
been registered OO-XVE first on that day and re-registered OO-VCE on 16 December 1985. On 7 April 2008,
registration OO-VCE was cancelled and the Robinson was restored to the UK register as G-BMIZ with
Endrick Aviation in Glasgow on 24 April 2008. Registered ownership of the G-BMIZ changed to Castlehill Aviation,
Glasgow, on 9 October 2008. Robinson R22 Beta OO-VCE was seen at the International Old Timer Fly-in 2005 at Schaffen-Diest
airfield in Belgium on 13 August 2005. |
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