R44 Cadet
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Europe
R44 Cadet
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New version of the R44 approaching ? : HeliHub Robinson working on new R44 model
P.S : 6300 R44 produced to date !
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New version of the R44 approaching ? : HeliHub Robinson working on new R44 model
P.S : 6300 R44 produced to date !
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Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 44
From: Europe
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Robinson's customers can say thanks to Bruno Guimbal and his G4
More seriously, seems strange that Kurt Robinson goes for a three blades' rotor. How can he sells the two blades R22 and R66 alongside ?
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Robinson's customers can say thanks to Bruno Guimbal and his G4
More seriously, seems strange that Kurt Robinson goes for a three blades' rotor. How can he sells the two blades R22 and R66 alongside ?
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Last edited by HeliHenri; 13th November 2015 at 14:20.
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 372
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From: Australia
500e said
It may surprise many, but I have had some intelligence about the -7 blades, and I can tell you that the design dramatically increases the bond overlap length for the skin-to-spar joint which is a significant advantage. They also have adopted surface preparation processes which I would have recommended if given the chance. They actually listened to my comments, and I give them credit for that.
The issue of the stress concentration at the trailing edge is not within my field of expertise so I leave that to others. The issue of one blade which disbonded after a short service life may be attributed to a one-off contamination (bare thumb in wrong place?) issue which should be addressed by closer QC.
While I still remain concerned about the integrity of the earlier blades, I am now more confident in the processes used in current builds. So, I am sure that they have addressed many bonding issues, so I would be less concerned about future developments such as these new designs.
Regards
Blakmax
Lets hope they work on the blade design build quality as well
The issue of the stress concentration at the trailing edge is not within my field of expertise so I leave that to others. The issue of one blade which disbonded after a short service life may be attributed to a one-off contamination (bare thumb in wrong place?) issue which should be addressed by closer QC.
While I still remain concerned about the integrity of the earlier blades, I am now more confident in the processes used in current builds. So, I am sure that they have addressed many bonding issues, so I would be less concerned about future developments such as these new designs.
Regards
Blakmax
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 489
Likes: 2
From: UK
SAS has been a factory option on the R44 since August 2015.
I had heard rumours that a heavy version of the R66 was in the works with a three blade rotor system and a great hook-load capacity...
I wouldn't be surprised if a 3-bladed version appeared but it would need some significant structural reworking.
There is a new Diesel engine in the 300hp range on the horizon in the next year or so from one of the big US engine companies so I wouldn't be surprised if the R44 Delta makes an appearance with three blades, turbo-diesel power and a price between the Raven 2 and the 66.
All exciting stuff. Thank goodness for some competition at last.
CRAN
I had heard rumours that a heavy version of the R66 was in the works with a three blade rotor system and a great hook-load capacity...
I wouldn't be surprised if a 3-bladed version appeared but it would need some significant structural reworking.
There is a new Diesel engine in the 300hp range on the horizon in the next year or so from one of the big US engine companies so I wouldn't be surprised if the R44 Delta makes an appearance with three blades, turbo-diesel power and a price between the Raven 2 and the 66.
All exciting stuff. Thank goodness for some competition at last.
CRAN
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 787
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From: Europe
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And here is the new R44 :
"Paddy is attending this week’s Robinson Safety Course at the factory in Torrance, and says that Kurt Robinson was on hand to introduce the course. As part of his introduction, the new R44 model was mentioned, and it will be “a 2 seater R44, 200lbs lighter, a lower VNE of 110 knots and cheaper than a Raven I“."
From the very well informed (as usual) HeliHub : HeliHub More details revealed of NEW Robinson R44 model
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And here is the new R44 :
"Paddy is attending this week’s Robinson Safety Course at the factory in Torrance, and says that Kurt Robinson was on hand to introduce the course. As part of his introduction, the new R44 model was mentioned, and it will be “a 2 seater R44, 200lbs lighter, a lower VNE of 110 knots and cheaper than a Raven I“."
From the very well informed (as usual) HeliHub : HeliHub More details revealed of NEW Robinson R44 model
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 78
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From: London
Can't help but think what a waste of time this is, a 2 seater R44... Surely they should be evolving the airframe not bastardising it?
Maybe Robinson has had its day, G2 very popular, G4 on the design board... who knows?
Maybe Robinson has had its day, G2 very popular, G4 on the design board... who knows?
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 63
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From: UK
Do take a look at the HeliHub link. Jeremy comes up with some interesting analysis.
A smaller 4 cylinder engine and priced between the R22 and the Raven 1 which is currently only $90,000 more than the R22 at $375,000.
However you slice it, a 2 seat R44 is still a 1970s design.
A smaller 4 cylinder engine and priced between the R22 and the Raven 1 which is currently only $90,000 more than the R22 at $375,000.
However you slice it, a 2 seat R44 is still a 1970s design.
Better red than ...
Joined: Aug 2004
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Appleby-in-Westmorland Cumbria England
1970's in what way? Furry dice? 
Mike Smith (the Heliair one) made a mint selling low spec R44's to new pilots for years. This would just be Robinson Corp doing the same thing on an industrial scale, and making sure their product was on the flight line of as many flight schools as the R22 used to be.
As a manufacturing and commercial strategy - good move I'd say.
Mike Smith (the Heliair one) made a mint selling low spec R44's to new pilots for years. This would just be Robinson Corp doing the same thing on an industrial scale, and making sure their product was on the flight line of as many flight schools as the R22 used to be.
As a manufacturing and commercial strategy - good move I'd say.
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