Robinson Helicopter last week celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the R22 two-seat training helicopter.
The first R22 took flight in 1975, with certification coming in 1979. The company has produced nearly 5000 R22s since it entered service.
“The R22 was Frank Robinson's dream to make rotary-wing flight accessible for the average person,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.
“Fifty years ago, the R22 didn't just take its first flight; it created a legacy that has empowered generations of pilots and operators around the world, and we continue to honor its lasting impact and the role it plays in the global helicopter community.”
Robinson–a former employee of both Bell and Hughes–began manufacturing the first prototype at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, until transferring the operation to Torrance Municipal Airfield (today Zamperini Field). Robinson reportedly said the tail rotor length was determined by how wide his kitchen oven was, because that's where he cured the bonding.
It took two years to complete the prototype, N67010, which flew on 28 August 1975.
The original R22 had a maximum take-off weight of 588 kg and was powered by a Lycoming O-235-C2C engine delivering a maximum power of 115 hp at 2800 rpm.
Today's R22 Beta II is fitted with a Lycoming O-360 developing 131 hp for take-off and has an MTOW of 622 kg.
Robinson would go on to revolutionise the helicopter industry and spawn three more models: the four-seat R44, turbine R66 and the in-development R88.