Robinson Reports Shipment Increase, Plans Leadership on Alternative Fuels

A lack of supply has restricted the rotorcraft manufacturer’s ability to test unleaded avgas in certain R44 models.

Wednesday, March 08, 2023 at 11:51 AM ET

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Robinson Helicopter Company celebrates 50 years in 2023, while it mourns the passing of founder Frank Robinson. Son Kurt Robinson, president and CEO, spoke on the company’s behalf at the HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta this week. [Credit: Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

Robinson Helicopter Company reported strong sales, delivering 258 units last year with significant increases in R66 and R44 series shipments.
The company faces challenges with unleaded avgas; while some models are approved, the R44 Raven II is not, and there's a broader industry issue regarding the market availability of 100LL unleaded aviation fuel.
Robinson successfully tested a 25% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend in its turbine-powered R66 aircraft with no operational issues, although SAF is currently more expensive.

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Last year marked another step up in shipments for Robinson Helicopter Company, with the light helicopter OEM marking a total of 258 units delivered.

In a press conference at the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo in Atlanta on Tuesday, company president and CEO Kurt Robinson reported on the strong sales as well as other current issues—including the lack of availability of unleaded aviation fuels for testing in its aircraft.