G-OSHL Robinson R22 Beta
Year Built: 1989 CofA Valid Expiry: Friday 27th May 2011
My very first lesson was in this helicopter at Sloane Helicopters in May 1990
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Based at Torrance in California, Franklin D. Robinson set about designing and building a cost-effective light helicopter targeted at the private individual, small business man and training school market.
In 1972 Robinson produced the small two-seat R-22, powered by a Lycoming piston engine and developed from the start for low operating and maintenance costs. The Robinson two-blade rotor system was designed around a patented three-hinge coupling that does away with lag hinges, dampers and hydraulics. An elastic teeter hinge stop was later included to prevent the rotors from striking the tail boom while winding up or running down in gusting winds (Beta model). To reduce operating costs the R-22 is built from non-exotic materials, relying on standard aerospace metals with an emphasis on durability and maintainability. Other than routine maintenance every 100 hours, the helicopter only requires a factory overhaul every 2000hrs of flight.
The first R-22 flew in August 1975 and was soon certified by the FAA (1979) in the US and in the UK (CAA) in 1981. The R-22 sold quickly and in 1983 a modified R-22A was certified to allow the helicopter to undertake IFR training and operate with US Police Forces who had shown an interest. Over 500 of these models sold world-wide and in August 1985 the latest R-22 Beta model was announced.
The R-22 Beta continues to sell around the world especially to the private individual/businessman and to helicopter schools. Improvements to the Beta model include uprated 160hp Lycoming O-320-B2C engine, high-capacity oil cooler, improved heater, demister, silencer and rotor brake. This compact two-seater can cruise at 178km/h and with a twenty US gallon tank of fuel travel for 385km. The helicopter has proved itself to be one of the most economical and cost-effective helicopters and this has been shown by the helicopter's remarkable sales record.
From the time that helicopters became practical aircraft their unit costs have always been high in comparison with those of fixed-wing aircraft of similar capacity. In the United States Franklin D. Robinson formed the Robinson Helicopter Company to design and market a lightweight civil helicopter which would be competitive in price with two-seat fixed-wing aircraft then on the market. His Robinson Model R22 prototype flew for the first time on 28 August 1975, followed by a second in early 1977, and these two aircraft were used to gain FAA and CAA certification in 1979 and 1981 respectively. This basic model, which became known as the R22 Alpha, was replaced from the 501st aircraft onwards, in 1985, by the upengined R22 Beta. The R22 family has sold in huge numbers around the world, representing the first affordable helicopter for private use, with 402 produced in 1991 alone. There have also been military customers, such as Turkey, who ordered 10 for basic pilot training. Over 2300 R22s of all versions had been delivered by early 1993, with a healthy order book also.
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