The R-22 and -44 have such completely different rotor systems that they don't really compare. The -44's is more like that of a 206. Flying it without the complicated and heavy trim system would be miserable and give you arms and an upper body like that cinema star Arnold Schwollenpecker.
On the other hand, the little R-22 does quite nicely with its light feedback forces. (Side note to Irlandes: get off the sofa and do some pressups! How do you ever expect to handle a Squirrel with the power steering gone?)
Having said that, boosting the controls of the R-22 is an intriquing idea, especially if it could be done with no weight penalty. But that is doubtful, given the weight of the pump, lines and servos as opposed to the existing spring thing.
Barannfin asked:
I would also like to clear up my understanding of hydraulics as well. A pump; driven by various means(are any electric?) provides pressure to pistons which suppliment the actions of the pilot. Where and how the movements are boosted im not sure of.
There is a pump (universally driven by the transmission for logically obvious reasons) which supplies fluid under pressure to two hydraulic servos located in the control runs (three servos if the collective is boosted too). On each servo is a little "pilot valve" that senses the tiniest movement of the control tube as initiated by the, er, pilot. When it does, it directs fluid pressure to the appropriate side of the servo to help "push" in that direction. Failure of any component does not compromise the connection between the cyclic grip and the swash plate.
Some aircraft (Squirrels, or fenestron-equipped machines) also provide hydraulic boost for yaw control.
All twin-engine helicopters (and one or two single-engine ships that I know of) use dual hydraulic systems. However, the secondary (or "Aux") system may not power all of the control channels. In other words, lose the primary (or "Main") system and you'll have cyclic but you may not have any tail rotor boost.
Finally, some aircraft probably should have dual systems. The Squirrel is so peculiar that Aerospatiale saw fit to include an accumulator in the system, so in the event of a hydraulic failure the poor pilot would have half a chance of maintaining control while slowing the beasty down from cruise airspeed.