The American helicopter manufacturer Robinson Helicopter – one of the world’s leading producers of civil helicopters – is introducing a new line of avionics systems and instruments for its R22, R44, and R66 models. These are available with optional Garmin GTN 600/700 touchscreen navigation or Aspen Avionics Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) systems.
Additionally, the Garmin GTR 225B COM radio, GMA 350H audio panel, GDL 88 Universal Access Transceiver (UAT), and GTX 330ES transponder are available. Practical testing for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been completed at Robinson; most of the new units have already received operational approval, while a few remaining configurations are still in the final stages of certification.
New Instrument Panel Windows as Standard
To accommodate these new glass avionics systems, Robinson has replaced its previous seven-, nine-, or ten-hole instrument panels with six- and eight-hole panels. The six-hole panel will become standard on the R22 and R44 Raven I models, while the eight-hole configuration will become standard on the R44 Raven II and R66.
The eight-hole instrument panel is also available as an option for the R44 Raven I. Both panels accommodate glass avionics systems as well as conventional instrument configurations.
The GTR 225B now becomes the standard COM radio on all models. It replaces the Bendix/King KY 196A/197A. The GTR 225B and the GTN 635, 650, and 750 COM units all feature 8.33 kHz channel spacing, thereby complying with newer regulations.
ADS-B Out from the GTX 330ES
The GMA 350H audio panel replaces the existing AEM AA12S dual-COM unit. The GTX 330ES (Extended Squitter) transponder also meets ADS-B Out requirements when used in combination with navigation from the GTN series. Simultaneously, the GDL 88 UAT provides dual-band ADS-B In capabilities. The GTN series units are housed within Robinson’s Pilot Side Console (PSC), which positions the devices directly in front of the pilot to minimize head-down time.
The images show –in order, and each with avionics labeling – the R22 six-hole panel with Garmin 625; the R44 Raven II with an eight-hole panel and Aspen EFD 1000; and the R66 panels with Aspen EFD 500/1000.
