R44 Raven I / Clipper I

The Hydraulically Boosted Controls on the R44 Raven I assist the pilot in controlling the helicopter's flight surfaces, such as the cyclic, collective, and tail rotor by significantly reducing the manual force required to operate the controls. They enable for more precise and smoother control inputs, improving the overall handling characteristics of the helicopter. Enhanced control responsiveness contributes to the overall safety of helicopter operations, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff, landing, and emergency maneuvers.

The R44 Raven I features a Crashworthy Fuel System with a Bladder Tank designed to prevent fuel leakage and reduce the risk of fire in the event of a crash. The system incorporates several features and design elements to enhance safety for both the helicopter and its occupants. The R44's fuel tank is constructed of an aluminum enclosure containing a flexible, puncture- and tear-resistant bladder that can withstand significant impact without rupturing. Additionally, the fuel system includes flexible joints or self-sealing breakaway couplings that absorb energy and prevent breakage. These are designed to disconnect safely and seal off the fuel line if excessive force is applied, preventing fuel spillage.

The Raven I's Carburetor Heat Assist feature enhances safety and reduces pilot workload by automatically adding carb heat when the collective is lowered and reducing carb heat when the collective is raised.

A Six-Hole Instrument Panel is standard on the Raven I and Clipper I. It includes standard primary instruments (airspeed indicator, engine and rotor dual tachometer, altimeter, manifold pressure gage, and vertical card compass. Engine gages include ammeter, oil pressure, oil temperature, cylinder head temperature, and fuel quantity for main and aux (if installed) tanks. Other standard inclusions are a digital chronometer, a carburetor air temperature gage, and digital outside air temperature gage. An hourmeter is located on the ledge just forward of the pilot's seat. 

The helicopter’s Rotor Brake allows the pilot to stop the rotor quickly, reducing shutdown time and risk of injury to ground personnel and passengers.

The RPM Governor monitors the rotor and engine's RPMs and adjusts them to keep the rotor's RPM constant. This allows the pilot to maintain the rotor's RPM in the green at all times during flight without having to make throttle adjustments. 

The 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) video camera records video, intercom audio, radio communications, and GPS position to a removable 128 GB USB flash drive. Recording starts automatically when the helicopter is turned on and stops when it is turned off.  Recording video and/or audio to the flash drive can be independently controlled with separate switches.

The Raven I/Clipper I has four 3-Point Seat Belts that are safety harness with three mounting positions and features inertia locking retractors. The retractor provides a snug fit for passenger without being restrictive. The retractor spools freely under normal use, but lockups when a sharp tug or sudden movement occurs. The seat belt is built in a "Y" shaped configuration, and resembles a lap seat belt with the addition of a shoulder harness that helps to restrain the passenger(s) chest, shoulder, and hip in a collision. 

The helicopter is equipped with adjustable tail rotor pedals on the pilot's side, allowing the pilot to customize the pedal position for comfort and optimal control. The pedals can be moved forward or backward to accommodate pilots of different heights and leg lengths, ensuring that the pilot can reach the pedals comfortably and maintain effective control. The adjustable pedals are designed to provide ergonomic comfort, reducing fatigue during extended periods of flight. Adjusting the pedals is easy. The pilot removes a quick-release pin on each side of the pedal then slides the pedal fore or aft to the desired position. Once in place, the pilot reinstalls the quick-release pin to secure the pedals.

Under-Seat Storage Compartments under each seat allows for stowing soft carry-on bags, briefcases, and personal belongings.

A hardpoint is a location on the belly designed to carry an external or internal load.

The Engine Monitoring Unit tracks key engine parameters such as engine-related exceedances and flight data. Also, the Robinson EMU App gives pilots, operators, and maintenance personnel the capability to wirelessly connect to the onboard EMU unit on properly-equipped Robinson R44 helicopters to view certain aircraft performance parameters recorded during operation.

The Raven I features an Annunciator Panel located at the top of the instrument panel and consists of illuminated segments. If a caution or warning condition occurs, the appropriate segment(s) illuminates to indicate the nature of the problem. The annunciator panel includes: HYD, CLUTCH, MR CHIP, TR CHIP, ENGINE FIRE, CARON MONOXIDE, LOW FUEL, LOW RPM, , GOV OFF, MR TEMP, STARTER ON, ENGINE OIL, ALT, FUEL FILTER, AUX FUEL PUMP, and EMU. A test button is located to the right of the annunciator panel that should cause all segments on the panel to light.

The Rotor Brake Engage Light indicates the rotor rotor brake is on.

The Full Throttle Caution Light (FULL THROTTLE), located on the right side and in the middle of the instrument panel, indicates the engine is near full throttle. The governor will be ineffective because it cannot increase throttle to maintain RPM. Lowering the collective is required to extinguish the light.

The Low Rotor RPM Light and Horn indicate rotor RPM is below safe limits. They alert the pilot when the rotor RPM is low and for the pilot to lower the collective to increase rotor RPM. Robinson helicopters now provide the low-RPM horn as an audio alert through audio system rather than instrument-panel-mounted speakers.

The Raven I features a High Rotor RPM Audio Alert that sounds (a warble) in the headsets rather than instrument panel-mounted speakers. Excessive RPM can subject the helicopter to higher stress, vibrations, and heat than they are designed to handle, which can lead to increased maintenance and potential in-flight failure.

Dual Landing Lights are installed in the nose at different vertical angles to increase the lighted area. One landing light switch controls both lights and is located on the cyclic center post.

Panel and Map Lights provide illumination for instruments and consulting navigation charts and flight aids. Instrument lights is active when the nav lights switch is on and the lighting is dimmed via the knob about the nav lights switch. The map light is mounted on a swivel post on the ceiling of the cabin and is controlled by an adjacent switch. 

The Raven I features LED Anti-Collision and Navigation Lights improve the visibility of the helicopter in the air and on the ground. They alert others when the engine is running, starting, or shutting down. A red anti-collision light is installed on the tailcone and is controlled by the strobe switch. Position lights are installed on each side of the cabin and in the tail, and are controlled by the nav lights switch.

The R44 Raven I is equipped with a Carbon Monoxide Detector that monitors the level of carbon monoxide in the cabin. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, toxic gas present in engine exhaust that causes headaches, drowsiness, and possible loss of consciousness. Carbon monoxide may become elevated due to an exhaust leak or exhaust recirculation during prolonged hovering. If the the level of carbon monoxide exceeds the allowable limit, the CARBON MONOXIDE caution light on the annunciator panel will illuminate.

Velour fabric seats are available in tan, gray, and charcoal colors.

Optional impact-resistant windshields for R44 helicopters provide protection from bird strikes. Impact-resistant windshields are constructed of tough, energy-absorbing polycarbonate (standard windshields are made of acrylic) and installed with distinctive retention hardware. A special hard coating provides protection from scratching and weather degradation. Tests demonstrate the R44 windshields provide protection for an impact with 2.2 lb (1 kg) bird at speeds up to 100 knots. Note: Polycarbonate windshields, as compared to standard acrylic windshields, will have more minor surface or optical imperfections.

TB17 by True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument, offers substantial weight savings, improved starter performance and longer life.

The TB17 battery weighs 16 lb, which is significantly lighter than the R44’s standard battery (29.5 lb). Lithium-ion chemistry holds a higher charge voltage and provides a more constant discharge rate than lead-acid, delivering consistent, more reliable starts. The battery’s internal heater enhances functionality in cold temperatures as low as -40°C. Typical battery life is 8 years with minimal required maintenance (visual inspection and capacity check) every 2 years.

The TB17 battery passed rigorous manufacturer and FAA tests to ensure safety. A cockpit indicator warns the pilot if a battery fault is detected. During fault conditions, the battery automatically takes itself off-line. Built-in circuitry prevents overcharge and/or overheating, and the TB17’s advanced Nonophoshate® chemistry is much less susceptible to thermal runaway than many other Lithium-ion batteries.

The Heated Pitot Tube replaces the standard pitot tube and is used in cold environments when conditions conducive to pitot ice exist.

Additional sealant to help protect against corrosion in marine environments. Standard on R44 Clippers.

The five-point harness is a form of a seat belt that contains five straps mounted to the airframe. The five-point harness consists of five straps. Two are located at the shoulders, two at the hips, and one at the crotch that all come to connect to a buckle release mechanism.

Seat upholstery is offered in tan, gray and charcoal leathers.

Available only in leather upholstery, seat bottoms and backrests for the forward seats are heated. Switches to control low and high heat settings are located at the bottom of the avionics console. The seat heaters operate only when the alternator switch is in the ON position to reduce the likelihood of inadvertently draining the battery before the engine is started.

The eight-hole panel instrument panel includes standard primary flight instruments (vertical speed indicator, airspeed indicator, engine (N2) and rotor dual tachometer, altimeter, and torque meter) and accommodates up to three optional instruments.

The optional Engine Priming System improves a cold engine start. It puts fuel into the cylinders (or intake manifold) so the engine fires easily.