Robinson Helicopter delivered its first Digitally Equipped Raven II ENG Newscopter to Sky Helicopters of Garland, Texas at Heli Expo. This Newscopter marks the 30th ENG helicopter delivered by Robinson.

The New Raven II Newscopter pairs Robinson's new Digital Gyro Stabilized Camera System with a newly redesigned workstation for the camera operator. The right rear seat is replaced with a camera laptop control storage tray, VTR, and additional panels for equipment including the directional microwave control, TV tuner, microwave receiver, AM/FM radio, and a new option this year, a multi band police, fire, and EMS scanner. In addition, a larger 8.4 inch color monitor with higher resolution provides the operator with detailed pictures from the nose and two standard lipstick cameras.

"Everything is more accessible to the camera operator because many times he or she is working in low light or live situations where you can't take your eyes off the monitor long to make adjustments to the microwave or change settings on the audio panels," explains Kurt Robinson, Robinson's Vice President of Customer Service.

Sky Helicopters has contracts with Dallas' television stations to provide back up ENG helicopter service when their aircraft are in maintenance or as an additional eye in the sky when big stories are breaking on two sides of town. The Raven II Newscopter will replace Sky's current R44 Newscopter, which was moved to Houston to fly its own contract.

"We're excited about this helicopter because it has the new generation camera and features television stations are asking for," says Ken Pyatt, president of Sky Helicopters. "The new higher quality digital camera system adds increased clarity and detail to ENG operations and enhanced low light capability."

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com