Robinson has received an order from the Royal Jordanian Air Force for eight R44s. Robinson Photo
The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) has chosen Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44 Raven II to replace its fleet of Hughes 500D helicopters that have been in service since 1981.
Equipped with Garmin and Aspen glass avionics, and Bendix King’s new military KTR909 UHF transceiver, the white R44s will be used for primary helicopter training at the King Hussein Air College in Mafraq, Jordan.
The decision to use the R44 came after a four-member delegation led by Brigadier General Walid Jaradat of the RJAF visited Robinson in March. While the R44’s low maintenance and operating costs impressed the delegation, it was positive feedback about the R44 from a neighboring country’s air force that convinced the RJAF, according to Colonel Imad Ghwein.
The first four R44s are scheduled for delivery at the end of this year with the second four to follow in early 2015. To prepare for their arrival, ten RJAF pilots have already attended Robinson’s safety course and twelve RJAF mechanics will attend the company’s maintenance course later this month.
