Robinson Helicopter Taking Orders for R44 Cadet

Robinson Helicopter released pricing on Friday for the R44 Cadet, a two-seat version of the R44 piston helicopter targeting flight training and utility operators. The Cadet has the same airframe, rotor system and Lycoming O-540-F1B5 as the R44 Raven I, but the Cadet’s rear seats are removed, maximum takeoff weight is lowered to 2,200 pounds and the engine is derated to 210 hp for takeoff and 185 hp continuous.

The rear-seat area can be used entirely for cargo weighing up to 200 pounds and, says Robinson, “The lower weight and derated power provide greater performance margins at high altitudes and extend the time between overhaul (TBO) to 2,400 hours from 2,200 hours, reducing operating costs.”

Robinson has begun taking orders for the Cadet at an introductory price of $339,000 with standard equipment. A float-equipped version is $367,000. The R44 Raven I price is $379,000. Among the options on the Cadet are air-conditioning—thus far available only on the Raven II—stability augmentation system, autopilot and VFR and IFR training avionics packages. The Cadet will be on display next week at Heli-Expo 2016 in Louisville, Ky.