R22 fiftieth anniversary celebrations mark a milestone for Robinson Helicopter, commemorating the primary flight of its two seat coach on August 28, 1975 in Torrance, California.
The corporate has launched archival footage and anniversary reflections highlighting the outstanding journey of some of the influential mild helicopters ever constructed.
A easy concept that reworked aviation
The Robinson R22 Helicopter
When Frank Robinson based his firm in 1973, he envisioned designing a helicopter that might be light-weight, inexpensive, and accessible to the overall aviation market. That dream materialized when the R22 took flight simply two years later, finally incomes FAA certification in 1979. The plane’s mixture of simplicity and utility established it because the spine of numerous flight faculties and personal operations worldwide.
Design selections that made a distinction
The R22’s compact two blade primary rotor system, T bar cyclic, and direct pushrod controls established its fame for responsiveness and effectivity. Powered by a derated Lycoming O 360 engine, it delivered constant efficiency throughout numerous environments. Its simple design simplified upkeep and saved working prices considerably decrease than turbine alternate options, a key purpose flight faculties proceed to favor it.
Security evolution by way of the years
R22 | Photograph: robinsonheli.com
Because the fleet expanded, Robinson applied focused security enhancements. Among the many most important upgrades was the introduction of crash resistant gas methods that includes puncture resistant bladder tanks and breakaway fittings.
These enhancements had been initially out there by way of retrofit applications earlier than turning into customary throughout new manufacturing fashions. Extra updates like automated clutch engagement and improved warning and warning methods diminished pilot workload whereas enhancing situational consciousness.
Coaching legacy
For 5 many years, the R22 has served because the entry level for hundreds of helicopter pilots. Its crisp dealing with calls for finesse, educating college students to handle rotor power and execute exact autorotations. Many instructors take into account R22 proficiency a ceremony of passage that establishes the inspiration for flying bigger, extra complicated rotorcraft.
R22 Beta II specs
Robinson R22 Beta II | Photograph: robinsonheli.com
Merchandise
Specification
Engine
Lycoming O-360, 4 cylinder
Horsepower
131 hp takeoff, 124 hp steady
Most gross weight
1,370 lb
Empty weight
Approx. 880 lb
Gasoline capability
34 gal (mixed)
Cruise pace
96 knots
Most vary
250 nm
Hover ceiling (IGE)
9,400 ft
Hover ceiling (OGE)
8,000 ft
Max working altitude
14,000 ft
Nonetheless related after 50 years
Regardless of newer helicopter fashions getting into the market, the R22 continues serving as a low value coach, a utility platform for agricultural and surveying work, and a trusted plane for ranchers and land managers.
Its enduring function demonstrates how successfully Frank Robinson’s authentic idea has withstood the take a look at of time, mixing elegant simplicity with sensible versatility.
A milestone in rotorcraft historical past
Fifty years after its inaugural flight, the R22 continues flying robust. With practically 5,000 items produced and a world presence spanning six continents, it stays a definitive plane in rotorcraft historical past.
The R22 fiftieth anniversary celebrates not solely a pioneering helicopter but in addition honors a legacy of coaching, innovation, and accessibility that has formed generations of aviators.
