The Light Utility Chopper First Flew in 1975 Before Being Certified in 1979

Robinson Helicopter Company is celebrating the 50th air-niversary of its iconic two-seat workhorse design: the R22. This light utility helicopter is not only the cornerstone of Robinson’s offerings, but also a staple in the worldwide market for entry-level buyers and flight training centers. Since it hit the market in 1979, more than 5,000 have been delivered.

“The R22 was Frank Robinson's dream to make rotary-wing flight accessible for the average person,” expressed David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson. “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.”

The R22 was designed for personal aviation - an unusual find at a time when most helicopters were reserved for military, government, or corporate operators. Its small size and relatively low acquisition cost opened the door for expanded civilian training, agriculture, and personal flying.

The airframe itself is just as user-friendly; Robinson built the R22 around a steel-tube frame and aerodynamic fuselage, paired with a two-blade teetering rotor system. The cabin provides solid visibility and just enough room for two, as long as they don’t mind bumping shoulders every so often. Power comes from a Lycoming O-360 four-cylinder piston engine that is derated for reliability and longevity over performance. The setup keeps maintenance straightforward and fuel burn manageable.

Flight schools quickly discovered the value of the R22, and by now, most professional helicopter pilots have logged at least a few hours in one. Its handling is unforgiving enough to require precise inputs, making it a tool for teaching new pilots fundamentals of helicopter control. The saying “if you can fly an R22, you can fly anything” has been passed around the hangars for five decades… and counting.

The R22 also served as the launchpad for Robinson’s later models, including the four-seat R44, turbine-powered R66, and the in-progress R88. This will be a ten-seat chopper with conventional dual controls rather than the classic Robinson T-bar.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com