Help sourcing timed out R44 Astros?
 

Do you have one, or know of anyone that has one sitting around collecting dust?
If so I would like to purchase it!
They don't need to fly, just need to look complete from the outside. They will be used as static displays at an exhibition.


I have been trying to source them from controller/barnstormers and service centers to no avail. Any tips on where else to look?

Depending how you define "complete" try insurance/salvage companies. They may have a few wrecks you can put together to make your display. Here's a site with a list of companies:
Royal Aircraft Services-Additional Services

Good luck.
W1

Thanks for the tip! Checked all the listings and reached out to all the agents, sadly no R44 Astros are available.

Anyone have any leads?

Don't think you will easily find one because they are now converted to Raven I's - they get the hydraulic and few other mods and they are basically Raven I's. All the parts fit all R44 helicopters except the bladders tanks on Raven II are a little different.

Why not look for a timed out R1 and get the Astro trim decals. More chance of success.

My experience in spending 2 years looking for an R22 to use as a simulator was..... nothing doing. If it is timed-out, then the price is high because it can be reconditioned.


I looked at crash-damaged, and found that I couldn't get something sensible - too "bent" to be of use.


I did consider a Wessex - had the opportunity to acquire a complete machine for £5k, but it is too big.


Eventually I got hold of a crashed "self-built" fixed-wing, chopped the wings off and made a trailer for it. With the addition of steps, and a 12v battery to run the lights / instruments, it now goes around school fairs and other events raising money for the school or event organiser.

They're a bit out of budget, looking for ships in the 25k-40k USD range.

Have you thought the reason why you havnt found one was because of your not willing to pay the proper amount
At the prices your willing to pay you will be paying less than the commercial buyers of times out R44
No brainer really

It's more of an issue regarding them being not listed online, we have already purchased 7 within that price-point, this is what they are worth.

Oh come on, do tell...!

Must be some exhibition stand...

So what do you really want them for then ?

Next Bond movie....One R44 Astro is Not Enough. :ok:

OK, give Bill Bryant a call. Bill's Helicopter Service in Woodlawn, VA. He had about 8 R22 and R44s that he was rebuilding when I last saw him a few months ago. He was pricing out an R44 for somebody for use as a static display. I don't know if that was you, somebody else, or if he made the deal.

(276) 728-2734
[email protected]

Tell him Charlie sent you.

Charlie

I might have a R44 available given the right price , yes seen show much you are prepared to pay. PM me

Tried messaging you, but its saying you dont have PMing available.

Still searching!

Thanks Charlie!
Do you have any other contact info for him? I tried calling and emailing to no avail.