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 ! :ooh:
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Yep - its a new head version, apparently semi rigid 3 blades and improved performance.

Lets hope they work on the blade design build quality as well :E

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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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Someone winding you up?!

Diesel engine or R44 with turbine?

Seriously? That would be cool...

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

Thats very good news on blade design..I've been sitting on a new order waiting for some intel like this. Of course, now I've got to wait and see what Kurt has up his sleeve.

The 'new' model of the R44 has SAS on it hence the serial number change. An aquaintance of mine flew it on Friday and was most impressed. And it's not got three blades.

Not exactly new then. Hasn't SAS been under test for some time.?

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

3 blades, a baggage compartment, and Garmin glass would be sweet!

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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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Will they call it R33

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?

Surely it's the intended replacement for the R22.


The R22 was never actually designed to be a trainer, and it would make economic sense for Robinson to rationalise their models.

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.

1970's in what way? Furry dice? :eek:

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.

R44 Cadet