Our Helicopters
Hughes 500 E
The successful Hughes 500/MD 500 series began life in response to a US Army requirement for a light observation helicopter. The Hughes' Model 369 won the contest against competition from Bell and Hiller. The OH-6 Cayuse first flew in February 1963
The civilian versions, the Hughes 500C/D went on to be used throughout New Zealnd during the venison boom of the 70's & 80's. Their maneuverability, small rotor diameter and good power to weight ratio made them ideal in the mountain environment.
The 369E (H500E) was introduced in 1980 and is the latest version of th H500D, the only real difference is the pointy nose, bigger instrument panel and lower backs on the front seats.
Robinson R66
Helisika has ordered a new R66 which is exspected to be in New Zealand in late October and operational by late November.
The R66 has been under development for some years at the Robinson factory in California and recived FAA certification in February 2011.
The R66 is very similar to the R44 in size, but the main difference is the R66 is powered by a turbine engine and has a wider airframe allowing an extra passenger seat in the rear. The R66 also has an baggage compartment which is a big improvement on the R44.
Robinson R44
The Robinson R44 is a four-place light helicopter produced by the Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992. Based on the company's two-place Robinson R22, the R44 features hydraulically-assisted flight controls. The R44 was first flown on 31 March 1990, and received FAA certification in December 1992, with the first delivery in February 1993.
The R44 is a single-engined helicopter with a semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor and a two-bladed tail rotor and a skid landing gear. It has an enclosed cabin with two rows of side-by-side seating for a pilot and three passengers.
Helisika operate's the latest version of the R44, the Raven ll, the Raven ll is fast and quiet to ride in with great vision from all passenger seats.
Eurocopter AS350 FX2
The FX2 is an after market conversion of the AS350BA/B2. It is disigned for hot and high altitude work. It has a cabin usefull load of 750kgs and an usefull hook load of up to 1000kgs. It has 5/6 passenger seats with 120 kn cruise speed and 360 nm range.
