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The Robinson R44 Astro is a single-engined light utility helicopter for up to 1 crew and 3 passengers,
powered by a Lycoming O-540-F1B5 engine with carburettor. The Robinson R44 is built and developed by the
Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California. Design of the Model R44 began in 1985. The first
prototype flew on 31 March 1990 and the second in January 1991. Sales efforts got under way in March 1992
at a base price of 235.000 US-Dollars. FAA Type Certification for the R44 Astro was achieved on 10 December
1992, and the first Robinson R44 Astro was delivered in February 1993. In 2000, the R44 Astro was replaced
as the main production model by the hydraulically-assisted R44 Raven. The development from the first R44
Astro in 1993, via the R44 Raven I to the first R44 Raven II delivered in 2002, has been remarkable. For
the pilot the most important difference is the conversion from a carbureted
engine on the Astro to injection and hydraulic controls on the Raven II.
Over 6900 of the four-seat Model R44s are delivered to customers all
over the world.
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Robinson R44 Astro is R44 |
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Registration N803EH was reserved for Robinson R44 Astro s/n 0008 but not recorded. In 1993, Robinson R44 Astro s/n 0008 was registered N2361V with
Robinson Helicopter Corporation, Torrance, California, US. In 1994, registration N2361V was cancelled as exported to Germany. In Germany, the 1993-built
Robinson R44 Astro was registered D-HEOP. Over the years, Robinson R44 Astro D-HEOP served in Germany; was refurbished and in 2025 the helicopter entered
service with EA - Eurofly Aviation at Bonn-Hangelar. In 2026, HeliHansa was the next operator with Robinson R44 Astro D-HEOP stationed at Flugplatz Porta
Westfalica.
On 30 August 2026, HeliHansa' Robinson R44 Astro D-HEOP was seen at Flugplatz Porta Westfalica (EDVY). |
