The Robinson R22 Beta is a two-seat small rotorcraft powered by a single Lycoming O-360-B2C four-cylinder,
air-cooled piston engine. The R22 was designed by the founder of the Robinson Helicopter Company, Frank Robinson.
Design of the Robinson R22 helicopter began in 1973, and an 85kW (115hp) Lycoming O235 powered prototype flew for
the first time on 28 August 1975. A second followed in early 1977. The FAA certification (TCDS H10WE) was achieved on 16 March
1979 and deliveries started in October of that year. On 12 October 1983, the R22 Alpha model was ceritified. On 5 August 1985, the
R22 Beta model was certified, followed by the R22 Mariner model on 12 September 1985. The R22 Beta had a larger oil cooler and
associated installation changes were made to permit the 131 hp. takeoff rating with the O-320 engine. In 1995, the R22 Beta model,
with the Lycoming O-360-J2A engine installed, entered production. This engine is installed on s/n 2571 and subsequent in production.
R22 Beta II is used as marketing designation for the R22 Beta with O-360-J2A engine installed. Over 4600 Robinson R22 helicopters are
delivered to customers all over the world. The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Robinson R22 Beta is R22.
In 1989, Robinson R22 Beta s/n 1058 was registered N8045X in the USA with Robinson Helicopter Company. On 29 June 1989, registration N8045X
was cancelled as exported to Germany. The Robinson R22 Beta was registered D-HFUX in Germany with Flugschule Mosbach / Lohrbach Neckar and
based at Flugplatz Mosbach-Lohrbach (EDGM). On 9 June 1990, the helicopter was substantially damaged in a crash at Roemerberg. The helicopter
was rebuilt and in 1991 restored to the register as D-HFUX with the same operator. In 1992, the helicopter was transferred to an unknown owner.
In 1997, Robinson R22 Beta D-HFUX was registered with L G M Luftfahrt at City Airport Mannheim (EDFM). From 2004 to 2012, Förderverein Allgemeine
Luftfahrt Homburg-Zweibrücken - FALZW, Zweibrücken Airport(EDDR) was the operator of the D-HFUX. In 2020, ViaHeli at Flugplatz Pirmasens (EDRP)
became the next operator of the Robinson R22 Beta. On 24 May 2023, the 1989-built Robinson R22 Beta D-HFUX was seen at Flugplatz Mosbach-Lohrbach (EDGM) in service with ViaHeli.
