The Robinson R44 Astro is a single-engined light utility helicopter for up to 1 crew and 3
passengers, powered by a Lycoming O-540-F1B5 engine. The Robinson R44 is built by the Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California.
Development of the Model R44 began in 1985. The first prototype flew on 31 March 1990 and the second
in January 1991. Sales efforts got under way in March 1992 at a base price of 235.000 US-Dollars.
FAA Type Certification for the R44 Astro was achieved on 10 December 1992, and the first Robinson R44 Astro was delivered in February 1993. In 2000,
the R44 Astro was replaced as the main production model by the R44 Raven with adjustable pedals and standard hydraulic controls.
Today the four-seat Model R44 is the world's most popular helicopter of which
already over 3600 are delivered to customers all over the world.
In January 1999, the Robinson R44 Astro c/n 0538 was registered first D-HALD with Air Lloyd Deutsche Helicopter GmbH, Bonn/Hangelar, Germany.
On 27 June 2000, the Robinson was registered OO‑VEL with Botra, Knokke-Heist, Belgium. After the helicopter was sold in Norway, the
registration OO-VEL was cancelled on 9 November 2007. The helicopter was registered the same month in Norawy as LN-OFH.
On 30 October 2007, Astro OO‑VEL was noted at Groningen Airport Eelde in the Netherlands when on delivery from Belgium to Norway.
Luchtvaart déjà vu
