Robinson Helicopter Company

Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) designs and builds light and medium civil helicopters in Torrance, California. Frank Robinson founded the company from his home in 1973, and the first R22 was delivered in 1979. The company handles every stage of production in Torrance, from design and manufacturing to assembly, inspection and flight testing, and makes a large share of its parts in-house.

Helicopters

• R22 Beta II: two-seat piston helicopter for training and private flying
• R44 Cadet, Raven I/Clipper I and Raven II/Clipper II: piston four-seat family, with the Cadet as a two-seat trainer
• R66 NxG turbine series, including Riviera, Palo Verde and Southwood editions, R66 Police, R66 Military Trainer and R66 Turbine Utility
• R88: new two pilot plus eight passenger helicopter powered by a Safran Arriel 2W engine, for firefighting, air ambulance, utility and tour work, with Garmin G500H TXI avionics and a 4-axis autopilot

Unmanned systems

Robinson Unmanned, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, offers unmanned aircraft from compact UAVs to heavy-lift unmanned helicopters, including the Helius, Spirit, Spartan, R44 Airtruck, R44 Sprayhawk and R66 Turbinetruck, for defense, logistics, search and surveillance, agriculture and inspection.

Support

Robinson runs a factory overhaul program for older aircraft, a trade-in program, pilot and maintenance training courses and technical publications. More than 400 authorized dealers and service centers support Robinson helicopters worldwide.

Company facts

• Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson
• First R22 delivered in 1979
• Headquarters and factory in Torrance, California
• President and CEO: David Smith
• Over 400 dealers and service centers worldwide