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The Robinson R44 Raven II is a four-seat light utility helicopter
powered by a single fuel-injected, angle-valve, tuned-induction,
Lycoming IO-540 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.
Today the four-seat Model R44 is the world's most popular helicopter of with over 6300 delivered to customers all
over the world. The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the R44 Raven II helicopters is R44. |
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On 20 May 2003, Robinson R44 Raven II s/n 10082 was registered G-RUZZ in the UK with Heli Air Ltd., Warwick.
On 1 September 2003, the G-RUZZ was registered with Russel Harrison PLC, Southam. On 10 April 2013, Raven II
G-RUZZ was registered with Startrade Heli GmbH and Co KG, Burbach, Germany. On 10 April 2013, registration
G-RUZZ was cancelled as exported to the Netherlands. On 12 April 2013, the 2003-built Robinson R44
Raven II was registered PH-HCA with Lelycopters Beheer BV, Lelystad and entered service with HeliCentre. On 5 December 2013, the
registered owners name changed to HeliCentre beheer BV, Lelystad. On 31 March 2016, registration PH-HCA was cancelled as exported
to China. Already in August 2015, the airframe was seen in use as an instructional airframe at the Changsha Aeronautical Vocational
and Technical College in Changsa, Hunan, China, still registered PH-HCA.
On 13 November 2014, Robinson R44 Raven II PH-HCA was seen at Lelystad Airport with 2wrap; HeliCentre and Avery Dennison titles. |
Luchtvaart déjà vu
