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The Robinson R44 Raven 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. |
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The 2004-built Robinson R44 Raven II s/n 10396 was registered N73858 in the USA with Robinson Helicopter Co, Torrance, California. On 8 July 2004,
registration N73858 was cancelled as exported to Switzerland. On 10 August 2004, the helicopter was registered HB-ZFW with Helistar SA as operator
and Dreieck Industrie Leasing SA as owner. On 22 June 2006, ownership of the HB-ZFW changed to Fortis Lease Suisse SA. On 12 September 2008,
Air Glaciers SA & Helistar SA were registered as operators and on 7 January 2011, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions Suisse SA was registered as
owner of the HB-ZFW. On 11 October 2012, the Raven II was registered with Helistar SA. On 12 October 2012, registration HB-ZFW was cancelled as
exported to Czechia. On 23 November 2012, the helicopter was registered OK-OOK in Czechia with D Flight. On 3 October 2017, registration OK-OOK
was cancelled as exported to the UK. On 9 October 2017, the Robinson R44 Raven II was registered G-MRLZ in the UK with Catedra Service XXI SL in
Murcia, Spain.
On 5 May 2006, Robinson R44 Raven II HB-ZFW was seen at Flugplatz Leer-Papenburg (EDWF) in Germany. |
