Close Call for a Robinson R44 helicopter.The Robinson R44 is a small, light, four-seat, piston-driven civilian helicopter produced by the Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992.

While resembling the company's earlier Robinson R22, the R44 is larger and faster than its predecessor. It also features boosted flight controls, a feature not found on the R-22. The Astro model incorporates electric cyclic trim, whilst the Raven models have hydraulically assisted cyclic and collective controls.

Tail rotor direction of rotation on the R44 is reversed compared to the R22 for improved yaw control authority. On the R44 the advancing blade is on the bottom.The R44, designed during the 1980s by company president Frank Robinson and his staff of engineers, first flew on March 31, 1990. It was awarded an FAA Type Certificate in December 1992, with the first deliveries taking place shortly thereafter. Originally, the R44 Astro was the main production model, but was dropped in favour of the hydraulically-assisted R44 "Raven" in 2000. The Raven II model (2002 onwards) used a fuel injected engine, tuned induction, Optional Air conditioning, Optional Night VFR, 28V electrical system, and extended-chord blades for increased performance.General characteristics * Crew: 1 * Capacity: 4 * Payload: 900 lb (408 kg) * Length: (body only) 21 ft 5 in (9.0 m) * Rotor diameter: 33 ft (10.1 m) * Height: 10 ft 9 in (3.3 m) * Empty weight: 1600 lb (726 kg) * Loaded weight: 2500 lb (1134 kg) * Powerplant: 1× Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 6 cylinder, horizontally opposed, direct drive, air cooled, fuel injected, normally aspirated, 5 minute max of 245 bhp (183 kW), max continuous power of 205 bhp (153 kW) ()

Performance * Never exceed speed: 130 kt (150 mph) * Maximum speed: 130 kt (240 km/h) (150 mph) * Cruise speed: 110 kt (127 mph) * Range: 300 nm (560 km) (345 miles) * Service ceiling: 14,000 ft density altitude or 9,000 ft above ground level ()

The R44 can use either 100 low lead fuel or 100/130. Main tank holds 30.6 US gallons usable (116 liters), Aux tank holds 18.3 US gallons usable (69 liters). Tail rotor has a diameter of 4 ft 10 in (1.5 m) and the total length of the helicopter from rotor tip to tail is 38 ft 4 in (11.7 m)