engineering team by 50%. One plan he did share during Expo was an emphasis on updating the R22 to ensure it remains relevant and modern. “We’re having real good success with
recruiting engineers,” Smith teased. “We have race-car guys, electric-vehicle people, and system-safety specialists, so it’s helped us with the early design for any project.” Across the hall, Leonardo and Bell announced
Hill Helicopters’ HX50 model is a clean-sheet design still in development. It promises a range of 700 nm, cruise speed of 140 kt., payload of 1,760 lb., and styling on a par with luxury automobiles—all at a base price of about $756,000.
an investment firm, with the retiring Robinson holding a large share. Smith’s position at the helm marks a new era for the world’s most prolific helicopter manufacturer. “To keep the company successful, you
always have to be looking 5, 10, 15 years out, so this is not something I suddenly decided; it’s been in process for some time,” Kurt Robinson revealed. “Dave has been with us
for a year and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. His enthusiasm for the industry and Robinson has been phe- nomenal. Te R66 has taken off, like the R22 and R44 before it, so what do we do next? Tis is the perfect time for a transition of leadership.” What’s next for RHC is still under wraps, but Smith has already increased the company’s
that their on-again/off-again relationship was enthusiastically back on to work together in the tiltrotor market. Te two OEMs signed a memorandum of understanding during the show to evaluate opportunities for cooperation. Teir first mutual project will be for the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability concept study #5, for which Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal, with Bell in a supporting role. “Tis alliance with Bell is important,” said
Roberto Garavaglia, SVP of strategy and innovation at Leonardo. “We believe—as we saw when Bell’s tiltrotor was chosen [for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft pro- gram]—the rotorcraft of choice for this generation is the tiltrotor.” Industry newcomer Hill Helicopters made
its Expo debut with a mock-up of its much talked about, customer-built HX50 personal
At HAI HELI-EXPO 2024, Kurt Robinson, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Co., announced he would move to an advisory role in the company while remaining on its board of directors. Kurt, shown third from right with Robinson staff members and Expo visitors, was a familiar sight at the Robinson booth, having worked for 40 years in the company that his father, legendary aircraft designer Frank Robinson, founded in 1973. The company named David Smith, VP of operations, the new president and CEO.
38 ROTOR JUNE 2024
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