The R44 is a single-engine helicopter equipped with a semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor, a two-bladed tail rotor and a skid landing gear. It was designed by the Robinson Helicopter Company as a replacement for the lightweight R22 Series helicopters in the late 1980s. It has an enclosed cabin with two rows of side-by-side seating for a pilot and three passengers.

The R44 first flew on March 31, 1990, was awarded an FAA Type Certificate in December 1992, and began production deliveries in January 1993. Several modifications and improvements have also been incorporated, such as hydraulically-assisted controls and adjustable pedals, a more powerful, fuel-injected engine and wider blades. These modifications allowed a higher gross weight and improved altitude performance.

In 1997, a Robinson R44 was piloted by Jennifer Murray for the first helicopter circumnavigation of the world by a woman, covering a distance of 36,000 miles in 97 days. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera also owns an R44, and has made several public appearances flying it. Following a minor mishap in 2008 at Montgomery Field, the owner donated this Robinson R44 to the Museum. It was restored to display condition by our Gillespie Field volunteers. This user friendly helicopter is the only aircraft at our Museum that visitors are allowed to sit in and enjoy.