The Robinson R44 Clipper II 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 II helicopter is R44. |
In 2009, Robinson R44 Clipper II s/n 12633 was registered N4205M with Robinson Helicopter Co, Torrance, California. The same year the
N4205M was registered with Old City Helicopter Sales. On 11 February 2009, registration N4205M was cancelled and the same day the
helicopter was registered D-HRBC with Isheli Helicopter Services, Nessebar, Bulgaria. The same year the helicopter was re-registered
LZ-RBC with Isheli Helicopter Services. In June 2010, the Robinson R44 Clipper II was restored as D-HRBC, as before with Isheli
Helicopter Services. Around 2016, Robinson R44 Clipper II D-HRBC was transferred to Aeroheli International, Cottbus/Neuhausen Airfield.
On 18 March 2018, the 2009-built Robinson R44 Clipper II D-HRBC was seen at Flugplatz Nordhorn-Lingen "Klausheide" (EDWN) in service with Aeroheli International. |