History
It was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, an ex-employee of Bell Helicopter and The Hughes Helicopter Company. Since delivering its first helicopter in 1979, Robinson Helicopter has produced over 10,000 aircraft (The number was hit by an R44). Robinson currently produces three models—the two-seat R22, the four-seat R44, both of which use Lycoming piston engines virtually identical to those found in fixed-wing general aviation aircraft, such as the Cessna 172, and the five seat R66 which uses a turbine.
In March 2007, Robinson announced plans for production of the Robinson R66, a five-seat helicopter of similar configuration to the R44, but with the addition of a luggage compartment, wider cabin (by 8 inches), and powered by a Rolls Royce gas turbine engine.
In December 2007, Robinson delivered its 800th helicopter for the year, a production record. The company was the highest rated helicopter manufacturer in Rotor and Wing magazine's survey of operators.
In 2011, the company produced 356 helicopters; 212 R44s, 88 R66s and 56 R22s, compared to a total of 162 in 2010.
Read more about this topic: Robinson Helicopter Company
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