After a bumper 45% increase in 2012 production over 2011, Robinson have produced near enough the exact same numbers of each helicopter type in 2013 compared to 2012.

Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2013 was 523 helicopters – 192 R66s, 289 R44s and 42 R22s, a marginal 1% increase over 2012’s production of 517. The order backlog remains steady and there’s no reason to suspect a fall in production in 2014.

The single event that will make a difference to the numbers will be the long-anticipated EASA approval of the Robinson R66.  When that happens, HeliHub.com expects the production rate for Robinson’s turbine model will rise by 30-50% for a sustained period until the demand from Europe is satisfied.  The R44 market will likely see a slight dip at that point as low-hour examples are put up for sale as the current outlooks sees a good proportion of R66 purchasers as current R44 owners.  HeliHub.com research data currently shows 738 R22s and 1155 R44s across Europe and around 20 R66s flying on FAA “N” registrations.

EDITOR NOTES

2012 production was  517 helicopters – 191 R66s, 286 R44s and 40 R22s – see Robinson 2012 production 45% up on 2011

2011 production was 356 helicopters – 88 R66s, 212 R44s and 56 R22s – see Robinson more than doubles 2010 production in 2011

2010 production was 162 helicopters – 10 R66s, 112 R44s and 40 R22s – see Robinson production at lowest for 23 years

Peak year to date was 2008 with 893 deliveries