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Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, as of 2006 the company has about 1,200 employees and
produces more helicopters annually than all of the other North
American manufactures combined.
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June 1973 :
Company founded by Frank Robinson to design and manufacture a light, inexpensive helicopter for the general aviation market.
Frank Robinson with Evio C. de Oliveira
and the R22 prototype at Torrance Airport near Los Angeles, in early 1973.
August 1975 :
First flight of two-seat model R22 prototype at Torrance Airport.
March 1979 :
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues type certificate for R22; Robinson announces R22 base price of $40,000.
January 1981 :
100th R22 helicopter is delivered.
March 1981 :
Robinson receives FAA Production Certificate allowing the company to do its own testing and inspection.
September 1981 :
Model R22 HP is announced with more powerful engine, improved altitude performance, and a base price of $59,850.
October 1982 :
Safety course for flight instructors is launched to standardize training at flight schools, where R22s are widely used.
September 1983 :
Model R22 Alpha is announced with increased gross weight and a base price of $77,850.
January 1985 :
Auxiliary fuel system is approved for R22 Alpha model, increasing range and endurance by 65%.
July 1985 :
500th R22 helicopter is delivered.
August 1985 :
Model R22 Beta is introduced with higher take-off rating, larger instrument panel, and base price if $85,850.
October 1985 :
Model R22 Mariner is approved with fixed utility floats, priced at $94,850; R22 sets world record for Distance in a Close Circuit for Class E-1a helicopters.
December 1988 :
Robinson becomes leading producer of light helicopters, producing more new helicopters in 1988 than any other manufacturer.
January 1989:
R22 sets world altitude record for Class E-1a helicopters.
April 1989 :
1000th R22 helicopter is delivered.
May 1989 :
R22 breaks its own altitude record for Class E-1a helicopters.
December 1989 :
310 R22s are delivered in 1989, making it the year’s most popular light Aircraft – including helicopters and airplanes.
February 1990 :
New RPM governor is approved for R22.
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Continue
Robinson Helicopters - Part 2
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