Jeff's Helicopter Philes

Robinson Helicopter Company of Torrance, California, is the world’s leading producer of civil helicopters. The company delivered 390 new aircraft in 2000 and 328 in 2001, and has total sales exceeding $100 million annually. Robinson is known worldwide for its high performance, reliable helicopters. The two-seat Model R22 has the lowest acquisition and operating costs of any production helicopter. It holds every world record in its weight class, including speed, altitude and distance. More than 3,300 R22 helicopters have been built. The four-seat Model R44 was introduced in 1993. With a fast 130 mph cruise speed and hydraulic controls, it has the same performance and handling characteristics that expensive turbine helicopters have, but is affordably priced at $307,000 - half the cost of light turbines currently on the market. The R44 has been the world’s top-selling helicopter for the past four years. The 1000th R44 was delivered in February 2001.

Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, the company has 600 employees and produces more helicopters annually than all of the other North American manufacturers combined. In addition, Robinson has a factory overhaul program for older aircraft and conducts monthly educational courses for helicopter flight instructors and maintenance technicians. The organization has a global network of more than 200 factory-authorized dealers and service centers in 50 countries, including China and Russia.

Robinson is an engineering company and places great emphasis on research and development. In recent years, efforts have concentrated on refining the R22 and R44 designs to expand their performance and further reduce the maintenance requirements for both aircraft. Some of the most recent product developments include hydraulic power controls and utility configurations of the four-seat R44. The R44 Clipper has fixed or pop-out utility floats for over-water operations; the R44 Police Helicopter is fully equipped for airborne law enforcement; and the R44 Newscopter is the first aerial platform specifically designed for high-quality live television broadcasting.

Robinson’s modern factory was designed and built for helicopter manufacturing. The facility is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art machinery, including extensive use of CNC (computer numerically controlled) machining centers. Robinson was among the first North American aerospace firms to be awarded ISO 9001 certification for helicopter design, manufacture and service. To maintain the highest quality standards, the company performs most operations, including welding, machining, assembly, painting, and flight testing, on site at its Torrance Airport plant. Robinson plans to break ground on a new building in 2002 to expand its manufacturing space and employment by approximately fifty percent.