HISTORY

The Robinson Helicopter Company was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, an ex-employee of Bell Helicopter and The Hughes Helicopter Company. Since delivering its first helicopter in 1979, Robinson Helicopter has produced over 10,000 aircraft. Robinson currently produces three models—the two-seat R22, the four-seat R44, both of which use Lycoming piston engines virtually identical to those found in fixed-wing general aviation aircraft, such as the Cessna 172, and the five seat R66 which uses a turbine.

In March 2007, Robinson announced plans for production of the Robinson R66, a five-seat helicopter of similar configuration to the R44, but with the addition of a luggage compartment, wider cabin (by 8 inches), and powered by a Rolls Royce gas turbine engine.

In December 2007, Robinson delivered its 800th helicopter for the year, a production record. The company was the highest rated helicopter manufacturer in Rotor and Wing magazine's survey of operators.

In 2011, the company produced 356 helicopters; 212 R44s, 88 R66s and 56 R22s, compared to a total of 162 in 2010.

Source: Wikipedia