Robinson Helicopter has begun accepting orders for its improved R44 Raven II. The four-seat piston single helicopter is powered by a 180kW(245hp) fuel-injected Textron Lycoming IO-540, raising take-off power by 11%, compared with the original version. Gross weight increases by 4% to 1,130kg (2,500lb) and payload by almost 10% to 370kg. Hover ceiling is also raised. Flight tests are under way and US Federal Aviation Administration certification is due by early September. The basic price of the new model is $335,000 against $307,000 for the original. Optional avionics and equipment are available for the same additional costs as the current R44.
Source: Flight International
