R44 Newscopter

The Robinson Newscopter is a fully integrated Electronic News Gathering (ENG) helicopter capable of transmitting, receiving, and recording live audio and video in High Definition. Built to meet the demands of the global TV news industry, the Newscopter’s ENG equipment is designed, tested, and FAA-approved to optimize work flow and to provide an airborne, broadcast-quality studio.

Front and center is an aerodynamic nose-mounted, gyro-stabilized Ikegami HD digital camera system that captures the news in striking detail and vivid color. Additional standard ENG gear includes in-cabin talent and tail-mounted micro cameras, video switcher, Geneva audio system, four color video monitors, and a complete microwave transmission package.

Sample Videos

SPECIFICATION R44 Newscopter
Engine Type Lycoming IO-540, six cylinder, fuel injected
Horsepower Derated to 245 for takeoff and 205 continuous
Max Gross Weight 2500 lb
Empty Weight Equipped (including oil & std avionics) 1673 lb
Standard Fuel (30.6 gal) 177 lb
Auxiliary Fuel (18.3 gal) 102 lb
Passengers and Baggage with Std Fuel 648 lb
Cruise Speed* up to 115 kts (130 mph)
Maximum Range (no reserve)* up to 300 nm (350sm)
Hover Ceiling IGE @ Gross Weight 8950 ft
Hover Ceiling OGE @ 2300 lb 7500 ft
Rate of Climb over 1000 fpm
Maximum Operating Altitude 14,000 ft
7-Hole Instrument Panel standard
Electrical System 28V
*for comparison purposes only, actual results may vary

 ENG CAMERA

The five-axis gyro-stabilized camera system features a full-bandwidth Ikegami 1080p HD Camera matched with a Canon HD Series 22x (44x with extender) zoom lens for crisp images. Camera and lens are housed in a rugged nose-mounted gimbal that rotates 360 degrees to track subjects and to film from any angle. The camera is operated through a laptop console located in the ENG workstation compartment. Along with all of the camera functions, features include a joy stick controller for X, Y, and Z-axis movements, snap-zoom, transmit, intercom, and video switches.

SPECIFICATION ENG Camera
Format 2/3″, 1080p, IT, 50 H or 60 Hz
Gain (dB): 0 to +54dB
Effective Pixels 1920 (horizontal) x 1080 (vertical)
Sensitivity 2000 lux @ f10
Video Output HD SDI
Zoom Lens Canon HJ22 x 7.6
Zoom Ratio 22x (44x with extender)
Filters 3000K, 5600K, 5600K + 1/32 ND
*for comparison purposes only, actual results may vary

 

R44 Newscopter Pricing & Operating Costs

R44 Newscopter Price List

R44 Newscopter Operating Costs