AEROCOR LEARNING CENTER
Robinson R44 Models
Table of Contents
- Robinson R44 Models: Astro / Raven I / Clipper I / Raven II / Clipper II / Cadet
ROBINSON R44 MODELS
Astro / Raven I / Clipper I / Raven II / Clipper II / Cadet
Exterior Dimensions: All Models
Side View
Top Down View
Front View
| Exterior Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 459 in / 38.25 ft / 11.66 m |
| Overall Height | 129 in / 10.75 ft / 3.28 m |
| Float or high (extended) landing gear extends height | 130.5 in / 10.87 ft / 3.31 m |
| Overall Width: Single right side horizontal stabilizer installed | 90 in / 7.50 ft / 2.28 m |
| Overall Width: Symmetrical horizontal stabilizer installed | 86 in / 7.16 ft / 2.18m |
| Main Rotor Radius | 198 in / 16.50 ft / 5.03 m |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 396 in / 33.00 ft / 10.05 m |
| Tail Rotor Diameter | 58 in / 4.83 ft / 1.47 m |
| Cabin Width | 50.5 in / 4.2 ft / 1.28m |
| Skid Width | 86 in / 7.16 ft / 2.18m |
| Fuselage height | 72 in / 6.00 ft / 1.83 m |
| Nose to Tail Length | 353 in / 29.41 ft / 8.97 m |
Design Weights and Capacities
R44 Astro / Raven I / Clipper I
| Design Weights | Capacity |
|---|---|
|
Serial Number Range (Astro) Serial Number Range (Raven I / Clipper I) |
4-digit: 0002, 0004 – 0760 0761 and subsequent |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 2,400 lb / 1,089 kg |
| Minimum Gross Weight | 1,550 lb / 703 kg |
| Max per Seat + Baggage | 300 lb / 136 kg |
| Max per Baggage Compartment | 50 lb / 23 kg |
| Useful Load (Standard Fuel) | Astro/Raven I: 773 lb / 351 kg Clipper I: 723 lb / 328 kg (subtract 50 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity (Usable) | 46.5 US gal / 279 lb / 176 L (Main + Aux) |
| Empty Weight (w/ Oil & Avionics) | Astro/Raven I: 1,450 lb / 658 kg Clipper I: 1,500 lb / 680 kg (+50 lb) |
| Electrical System (Astro) | 14V standard, 28V optional |
| Electrical System (Raven I/Clipper I) | 28V standard starting at S/N 2421 |
| Hydraulically Boosted Controls (Astro) | Required to be retrofitted by 2020 to remain airworthy |
R44 Raven II / Clipper II
| Design Weights | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Serial Number Range | 5-digit: 10001 and subsequent |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 2,500 lb / 1,134 kg |
| Minimum Gross Weight | 1,600 lb / 726 kg |
| Max per Seat + Baggage | 300 lb / 136 kg |
| Max per Baggage Compartment | 50 lb / 23 kg |
| Useful Load (Standard Fuel) | Raven II: 818 lb / 371 kg Clipper II: 753 lb / 342 kg (subtract 65 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity (Usable) | 46.5 US gal / 279 lb / 176 L (Main + Aux) |
| Empty Weight (w/ Oil & Avionics) | Raven II: 1,505 lb / 683 kg Clipper II: 1,570 lb / 712 kg (+65 lb) |
| Electrical System | 28V standard |
| Clipper II Landing Gear | Fixed or pop-out float options |
R44 Cadet
| Design Weights | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Serial Number Range | 5-digit: 30001 – 39999 |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 2,200 lb / 998 kg (restricted for high-altitude performance) |
| Minimum Gross Weight | 1,550 lb / 703 kg |
| Max per Seat + Baggage | 300 lb / 136 kg |
| Max per Baggage Compartment | 50 lb / 23 kg |
| Useful Load | Standard: 484 lb / 220 kg With Floats: 434 lb / 197 kg (subtract 50 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity (Usable) | 46.5 US gal / 279 lb / 176 L (Main + Aux) |
| Empty Weight (w/ Oil & Avionics) | Standard: 1,437 lb / 652 kg With Floats: 1,487 lb / 675 kg (+50 lb) |
| Electrical System | 28V standard |
| Key Performance Features | – Derated engine power for high-altitude margins – Extended TBO: 2,400 hours |
| Optional Equipment | Air conditioning available |
Performance
R44 Astro / Raven I / Clipper I
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | Lycoming O-540-F1B5 |
| Engine Type | Six cylinder, carbureted |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 205 horsepower |
| 5 Min Takeoff Rating | 225 horsepower |
| Maximum Operating Density Altitude | 14,000 ft |
| Hover Ceiling IGE (Max Gross Weight) | 6400 ft @ 2400 lb |
| Hover Ceiling OGE (Max Gross Weight) | 4000 ft @ 2300 lb |
| Fuel Range (No Reserve) | 300 nm / 550 km |
| Rate of Climb | Over 1000 fpm |
R44 Raven II / Clipper II
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 |
| Engine Type | Six cylinder, fuel injected |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 205 horsepower |
| 5 Min Takeoff Rating | 245 horsepower |
| Maximum Operating Density Altitude | 14,000 ft |
| Hover Ceiling IGE (Max Gross Weight) | 8950 ft @ 2500 lb |
| Hover Ceiling OGE (Max Gross Weight) | 7500 ft @ 2300 lb |
| Fuel Range (No Reserve) | 350 nm / 650 km |
| Rate of Climb | Over 1000 fpm |
R44 Cadet
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | Lycoming O-540-F1B5 |
| Engine Type | Six cylinder, carbureted |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 185 horsepower |
| 5 Min Takeoff Rating | 210 horsepower |
| Max Operating Density Altitude | 14,000 ft |
|
Hover Ceiling IGE (Max GW) |
8,750 ft @ 2,200 lb |
|
Hover Ceiling OGE (Max GW) |
5,250 ft @ 2,200 lb |
|
Fuel Range (No Reserve) |
300 nm / 550 km |
| Rate of Climb | Over 1,000 fpm |
Structural Design Limitations
Astro / Raven I / Raven II / Clipper I / Clipper II
| Airspeed Parameter | Speed (KIAS) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Range Airspeed | 100 |
| Never Exceed Speed (Vne) | 130 |
| Autorotation Maximum Airspeed | 100 |
| Normal Autorotation (Recommended) | 60–70 |
| Takeoff & Climb Speed | 60 |
| Best Rate of Climb (Vy) | 55 |
Cadet
| Airspeed Parameter | Speed (KIAS) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Range Airspeed | 100 |
| Never Exceed Speed (Vne) | 120 |
| Autorotation Maximum Airspeed | 100 |
| Normal Autorotation (Recommended) | 60–70 |
| Takeoff & Climb Speed | 60 |
| Best Rate of Climb (Vy) | 55 |
Key Notes
Vne (Never Exceed): The Cadet has a slightly lower limit (120 KIAS vs. 130 KIAS) due to structural differences.
Autorotation Speeds: Identical between models for pilot familiarity.
Climb Performance: Both series share the same optimal climb speeds (Vy = 55 KIAS).
History and General Description
The first version of the R44 (Astro) made its prototype flight in March of 1990. Followed by FAA certification in December of 1992 and the first production helicopter was delivered in February of 1993. Since the inception of their four seated helicopter, Robinson has delivered more than 6,800 R44’s worldwide. The simple design and proven reliability has made the R44 the world’s best selling general aviation helicopter every year since 1999.
The support for Robinson Helicopters boasts more than 400 service centers and dealers worldwide giving its customers convenience in maintaining their aircraft by factory trained mechanics and personnel. The R44 has been the go to choice for owner flown aircraft.
Accolades
According to Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual helicopter product support survey Robinson is “The Undisputed Leader” amongst piston helicopters support.
A record 21 years straight in 1st place. Professional Pilot called Robinson the benchmark for piston helicopter support.
R44 TIMELINE
First model
Astro – Introduced January 1991
Initial prototype N44RH made its first flight on March 31st 1990
FAA certification in December 1992
First production Astro delivered February 1993
Raven I – Introduced January 2000
Updates to include from Astro
Standard factory hydraulics. Upgraded elastomeric tail rotor bearings. Adjustable pedals for pilots
TBO increased from 2000 hours to 2200 hours
Raven II – Introduced July 2002
Updates to include a fuel injected Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 engine with increased horsepower and performance capabilities
Gross weight increased from 2400 to 2500 lbs
Optional factory air conditioning
Cadet – Introduced November 2015
Designed as a R44 Raven I helicopter having a two seat configuration with the aft cabin modified for cargo only
FAA certification in May 2016
Delivers first production Cadet in July 2016