Robinson Helicopter
Torrance, California maker of the R22, R44, and R66 helicopters, the most common civil training helicopters; developing the larger R88.
Overview
Robinson Helicopter Company was founded by Frank Robinson in 1973 and builds light helicopters at Zamperini Field in Torrance, California. Its piston-engine R22 and R44 and turbine R66 are the most common civil training helicopters in the United States. In March 2025 it unveiled the R88, a much larger ten-seat turbine helicopter, alongside an updated R66. In August 2026 the U.S. Army selected the R66 as the training helicopter for its Flight School Next program, under a long-term contract awarded to the services company M1 Support Services, which is expected to add work in Torrance. Robinson bought drone maker Ascent AeroSystems in April 2024 and launched a Robinson Unmanned division in March 2026. The factory also hosts the company's pilot and instructor training courses.
Student Insights
If you train in helicopters, you will probably fly one
The R22 and R44 are the standard training helicopters at most U.S. civil helicopter flight schools, and in August 2026 the Army chose the R66 for Flight School Next, its new rotary-wing training program. Between civil schools and Army training, future helicopter pilots and mechanics are very likely to work on Robinson types. Robinson also runs pilot and instructor courses at the Torrance factory.
Almost everything is built in one place
Design, machining, assembly, and flight test are all at the Torrance factory, so production jobs there cover a wide range of trades. Most roles are hands-on manufacturing rather than research.
New products mean new engineering work
The R88, unveiled in 2025, is a much larger aircraft than anything Robinson has built before; the unmanned division is new in 2026; and the Army training award adds long-term support work. All three add design, test, certification, and production demand to a company that had mostly been in steady production.
AI Outlook
Robinson is a traditional helicopter manufacturer that has recently added an uncrewed aircraft division and made a Garmin autopilot standard on the R66.
- Robinson Unmanned division (2026)
- Acquisition of Ascent AeroSystems (2024)
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- R22
- R44
- R66 Turbine
- R66 for U.S. Army Flight School Next
- R88
- Robinson Unmanned
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to Robinson Helicopter.