Frank Robinson saddles up R22/001 in August 1975.
Fifty years ago today Robinson’s R22 made its maiden flight launching a revolution in lower cost helicopters for flight training as well as a host of other applications over the years. Since the type’s launch in 1973 and certification in 1979, Robinson has delivered approaching 5,000 examples of the two-seat helicopter. The type is of course best known for its value as a trainer for ab intio students with tens of thousands of pilots worldwide (including this one) taking the controls for the first time in an R22 and discovering the truth in the old adage: “If you can fly an R22, you can fly anything.”
It can be said that without the R22 not only would dreams of vertical flight remained grounded for generations of pilots it also created the base that has driven the company’s product line over the last half century with the R44, 66 and in the commixing years the R88 ever expanding the market envelope while remaining consistent with the ethos set down by Frank Robinson that aircraft should be as safe, reliable and cost effective as possible.
“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 commenting on the anniversary. “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 honour its lasting impact and the role it plays in the global helicopter community.”
To watch a video of the first flight click HERE
Images/Video: RHC
