Delegates to Heli Expo had the chance to get up close and personal with the R550X.
Rotor Technologies and Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) are to deepen their relationship as Rotor Technologies moves forward with series production of its R550X unmanned helicopter.
The R550X is based on RHC’s R44 Raven II. The two companies jointly displayed Rotor Technologies’ static prototype R550X at VAI’s Heli Expo last month as part of its tour of North America.
The R550X is the first production uncrewed aircraft to be built on a Robinson platform. It is capable of lifting heavy loads up to 1,200 pounds (550 kilograms) with no pilot onboard and is designed to conduct agricultural, utility, maritime, and cargo operations without exposing pilots to hazardous flight environments.
RHC President and CEO David Smith has said that the R550X represents an important opportunity for RHC customers. Smith and Rotor Technologies’ CEO Hector Wu celebrated the recent milestones of Rotor Technologies’ unmanned technology developments. Commenting, Wu said, “David and I share a common product vision. Our collaboration will combine Rotor’s technology with Robinson’s dynamic and scalable supply chain to deliver the world’s most capable commercial uncrewed VTOL.”
