The Robinson R22 is a single-engine, 2-seat light civil helicopter developed and manufactured by American rotorcraft producer Robinson Helicopter Company. The R22 took its maiden flight in 1975 and production began in 1979. Robinson has built roughly 5,000 of the airframe, and it remains in production.
The R22 is a very popular helicopter for basic civil rotorcraft training and a number of commercial applications including flight tours, aerial photography and videography, and ranching. It features a semi-rigid 2-blade main rotor system, a piston engine for a powerplant, and mechanically-linked flight controls. The helicopter is very sensitive to control inputs due to its flight controls and main rotor system design, which helps to provide an exceptional flight training experience.
The R22 measures 28 feet, 8 inches in length, stands 8 feet, 11 inches tall, and has a main rotor system diameter of 25 feet, 2 inches. It is powered by a single 4-cylinder Lycoming O-320-A2B air-cooled engine that produces up to 124 horsepower. The rotorcraft has a range of 240 miles, a service ceiling of 14,000 feet above sea level, and a climb rate of 1,200 feet per minute. The R22 has an out-of-ground-effect hover ceiling of 8,000 feet above sea level and an in-ground-effect hover ceiling of 9,400 feet above sea level.
