Flying the Cadet
At first, it’s a strange notion to grasp. Take the world’s bestselling helicopter, every year since 1999, the four-seat Robinson R44, and remove the rear seats. De-rate the engine, reduce the maximum take-off weight. Oh, and one more important point: make it cheaper than a regular R44.
The Robinson R44 Cadet has the same airframe, rotor system, and Lycoming O-540 engine, as the four-place R44 Raven I. The area behind the front seats has been reconfigured just for baggage or cargo, both on top of, and inside the rear flat panels. This baggage space is in addition to the storage compartments already available under the front seats. The Cadet cannot have the rear seats retrospectively installed.
The Cadet’s maximum gross weight is reduced from 1089 kg (for the Raven I) to 998 kg, and the (carburettor) engine power is derated from 225 hp to 210 hp for take-off, and 185 hp continuous. The lower weight and de-rated power provide increased performance margins at high altitudes and lengthen the time between overhaul to 2400 hours. The range is 300 nm, without reserves, and the rate of climb exceeds 1000 fpm.
Robinson says the Cadet is “A versatile helicopter ideally suited for flight schools and operators that want the economy of a small helicopter without sacrificing the power and performance of a large helicopter.” They
