R550X
Fly with Rotor
Overview
The R550X is a multi-mission uncrewed helicopter built on the Robinson R44 platform. It’s equipped to lift heavy loads up to 550 kg in all weather conditions – including at night and limited visibility. It ships in a ready-to-fly configuration and can be customized with a range of mission and autonomy payloads.
Specs
Payload
Uncrewed only: not approved for passenger flight
Range
Cruise Speed
Endurance
15+ hours (max fuel configuration)
Flight Software
Night and IMC capable
Autonomous Autoland
Command-and-control range
1,000+ mi with satellite/LTE
MTOW
Capacity
Displays
Drivetrain
Size
Benefits
Safety Guaranteed
Rotor’s technology makes sure your pilots always come home at the end of the day, so you never have to choose between crew safety and getting the job done.
Fly Further, Carry More
No crew onboard means more payload, more range, and more mission flexibility. The R550X carries more than twice the effective payload of the Robinson R44.
All-Weather Operation
The R550X can be flown in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and at night. Maintain your dispatch reliability, even in unpredictable conditions.
Simplified Vehicle Operations
Rotor’s software and remote piloting system make small helicopters more reliable and easier to fly, especially in difficult conditions like at night and in degraded visual environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
The R550X supports a wide variety of third-party mission payloads from trusted OEMs. These include gimbals, cameras, internal payload mounts, cargo buckets, plastic sphere dispensers (PSDs), winches / hoists, and others. Most products with an STC for the Robinson R44 Raven II are compatible with the R550X out of the box. For detailed questions, please contact us at inquiries@rotor.ai.
The first version of the R550X is powered by the highly reliable Lycoming IO-540 engine, with redundant electronic engine controls.
It uses conventional aviation fuel low lead aviation fuel, also known as "100LL". We plan to produce a future variant powered by sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which will have net-zero emissions.
The R550X is powered by the Robinson R44's highly reliable internal combustion engine: the Lycoming IO-540.
However, given the high commonality between Robinson products, we plan to produce a similar aircraft based on the Robinson R66, with the Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine. If this is important for your mission, please contact us at inquiries@rotor.ai to discuss specifics and timeline.
The R550X uses conventional low lead aviation fuel, also known as "100LL". It's the most common type of light aviation fuel, and can be found at most airports. However, we plan to produce a future variants powered by Jet A (based on the Robinson R66) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
For a detailed payload vs. range curve, please contact inquiries@rotor.ai.
Rotor is pursuing an initial supplemental type certificate (STC) in the USA for the R550X. In the mean time, the R550X is available for use from early 2024 as an experimental-category aircraft. The helicopter will be delivered with all documentation required to receive a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA in the USA, or equivalent certification in other countries.
For questions about regulatory COA's, waivers, or 44807 exemptions, please contact us at inquiries@rotor.ai.
Yes, the R550X has a flight termination system capable of ending a flight immediately in case of an emergency. It is comprised of dedicated hardware, operated over its own independent communications channel.
The R550X's communications gateway can simultaneously maintain 6 communications links of various types, making complete loss of link highly unlikely.
In case of loss of link, the aircraft can perform one of several predetermined maneuvers, according to operator preference. It can loiter and attempt to regain link, or it can return to base along predetermined routes and land safely.
The R550X and GCS support a variety of direct radio, LTE/cellular, and satellite links. Direct radio links generally have ranges of between 10 and 50 miles, depending on the terrain and regulatory allowances. LTE/cellular and satellite links offering the possibility of much longer ranges, measured in the hundreds or thousands of miles.
For detailed information on communications options and their ranges, please contact inquiries@rotor.ai.
Operating Costs
Get in touch with our team to book a demo and learn more about Rotor’s mission to make light aviation safer and more economical.
To assess the impact of remote operation on your bottom line, we'll discuss:
- Your current fleet makeup
- Your mission parameters
Quote Request
Mission Payloads
We know the aircraft is only part of the capability. Rotor partners with payload specialists and OEMs so you get the fully-integrated mission capability you need. The R550X is compatible with a wide range of cameras, gimbals, speciality sensors, and other custom payloads.
Smith Myers Artemis
MISSIONS
Choose your application
Agriculture
The R550X fits in seamlessly to existing helicopter spray operations, and provides immediate cost and productivity benefits.
Offshore
Deliver cargo to offshore assets 24 hours a day at lower cost than multi-engine turbine helicopters. Keep flight crews safe and preserve larger aircraft for personnel transport.
Aerial Work
The R550X combines 550-kg external load capacity with the reliability and maintainability of the world's most popular civilian helicopter.
Wildland Firefighting
The R550X is a Type 3 helicopter that has been carefully designed to fill multiple firefighting roles, from aerial ignition to initial attack to tactical resupply.
The R550X At Your Service
Remote Operation Only
Day and Night Approved
Remove Pilot Before Flight
