VSKYLABS Robinson R44 Pilot’s Operating Handbook
WARNING: DO NOT USE FOR REAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS
VSKYLABS Robinson R44 Raven II
MANUAL / POH
The VSKYLABS development of the Robinson R44 project for X-Plane flight simulator was acknowledged by the Robinson Helicopter Company. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not related, affiliated and/or endorsed with the Robinson Helicopter Company.
INTRODUCTION
This is the instruction and Pilot’s Operating Handbook guide for the VSKYLABS Robinson R44 Project for X-Plane 12. It features complementary information and setup instructions for the VSKYLABS R44 for X-Plane 12, and covers useful information.
The VSKYLABS R44 was designed to be operated following the real Robinson R44 helicopter POH (Pilot Operating Handbook).
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to visit the Robinson Helicopter Company website / R44 POH page.
Disclaimer: The links which are provided in this document are provided *as is*. VSKYLABS is not responsible for its content. VSKYLABS is not affiliated with and/or endorsed by Robinson Helicopter Company. The links are brought here for the purpose of sharing common and public information resources for helicopter and R44 enthusiasts.
The Robinson R44 Raven II is a high performing, four-seat aircraft. It has been the world’s best-selling GA helicopter for more than two decades. The R44’s aerodynamic fuselage optimizes airspeed and fuel economy. It is powered by Lycoming IO-540 fuel injected engine and it cruises at 110 knots and can fly 300 nautical miles and up to 14,000 feet.
The project is setting up a highly detailed and highly accurate R44 simulation along with full VR compatibility, within the default features of X-Plane 12, stretching it to its limits.
The real R44 vs the VSKYLABS R44 helicopter:
The VSKYLABS R44 simulation was developed to follow the real R44 specs, handling and performance characteristics. It is a robust helicopter simulation model which is making use of X-Plane 12 sophisticated flight dynamics and physics simulation, extracting it to its limits. The VSKYLABS R44 is making use of X-Plane 12 latest native features, systems and physics. This is assuring a high airworthiness condition in X-Plane, throughout its update process.
Being a PC based simulation, some differences between the simulated R44 and the real R44 may be noticeable. These differences may be in the actual appearance of the helicopter and its parts, systems and flight dynamics and handling characteristics.
Although it is a simulated model, a lot of effort was made to bring these differences to a minimum and within reasonable margins. These will be explained along this document, when relevant.
INTERACTION AND VR:
The VSKYLABS Robinson R44 Raven II is fully interactive and supports full VR experience and operations. All systems, cockpit switches, flight controls and interactive features are accessible via touch controllers operations.
JOYSTICK AND HARDWARE ASSIGNMENT:
The VSKYLABS Robinson R44 Raven II includes the VSKYLABS ‘Cockpit-Builders Heaven’ layer, which allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
To use it for key/button assignments, simply type ‘r44’ or a combination, for example: ‘r44 fuel’ in the search bar and select your assignment. Here is a sample screenshot:
Other settings:
Passengers and Payload:
Adding/removing passengers and payload is done using the X-Plane 12 Weight&Balance menu.
Replacing Robinson New Empennage Kit:
Replacing the new Robison Empennage configuration (symmetrical horizontal stabilizer) with the old convection RH-side horizontal stabilizer is done using the dedicated assignment or by clicking the horizontal stabilizer in the current configuration.
VSKYLABS R44 COCKPIT AND INTERACTION
VR Interaction zones front panel:
It is recommended to take a few minutes to get familiar with the various interaction and touch-zones. All the green-highlighted areas are interaction zones for 2D/3D (VR) modes.
To show/hide the AviTab tablet, use the interaction zone located on the AviTab holder base. Alternatively, it can be done using button/key assignment for Custom Slider#8 (Toggle ON/OFF).
To show/hide the 3D Checklist Viewer, use the interaction zone located on the R44 POH, as seen in the screenshot. Alternatively, it can be done using button/key assignment for Toggle Smoking sign (Toggle ON/OFF).
VR Interaction zones - cyclic and overhead panel:
VR Interaction zones - cyclic and collective/pedestal panel:
The Collective head is divided into two zones: pitch and throttle control. In general and when flying in VR mode - you will find that the throttle throw (hand movement) is quite narrow. It is intentional, as the throttle should be normally operated in two modes: Idle and 100%. When setting it to 100%, during engine spool-up, the throttle governor will kick-in.
Governor switch: The touch zone for the governor switch is EXTENDED (longer than the switch itself), to allow comfortable accessibility in VR/on screen manipulation, when the governor and starter switches are aligned during throttle rotation.
VR Interaction zones - Main Switches:
Radios/GPS Power: To switch the radio and the GNS 430 on/off, simply use the volume knob on each panel. When it is set to minimum, the Radio/GNS will be set to ‘OFF’. When turning the knobs clockwise (volume up), it will set the Radio/GNS to ON.
VR Interaction zones - doors:
For maximum convenience during VR and on-screen interaction, there are multiple touch-zones for operating the doors, both internally and externally. At flying speeds, all doors will be set closed automatically.
VSKYLABS R44 HELICOPTER FAMILIARIZATION
Basic Specifications:
Seats......................................................4
Basic Empty Weight...................1505 lb (without pilot)
Maximum Gross Weight.................................2500 lb
Standard Fuel Capacity..............29.5 US gallons (177 lb)
Auxiliary Fuel Capacity.............17.0 US gallons (102 lb)
Powerplant......Lycoming IO-540, six cylinder, fuel injected
R44 Systems - IO-540 Engine:
One Lycoming IO-540, six cylinder, horizontally opposed, overhead-valve, air-cooled, fuel injected engine with a wet sump oil system powers the helicopter.
The engine is equipped with a starter, alternator, shielded ignition and two magnetos.
R44 Systems - Flight Controls:
Dual controls are standard equipment, and flight control operation is conventional. The cyclic is center mounted, equipped with a ‘T-Bar’, which allows left and right control grips.
Collective operation is conventional. The engine throttle is correlated to collective inputs through a mechanical linkage. When the collective is raised, the throttle is opened and when the collective is lowered, the throttle is closed. The collective stick also incorporates a twist grip throttle control.
NOTE for operating the VSKYLABS R44 Collective manual throttle control: The collective/throttle linkage is enabled only when the throttle governor is being engaged. When it is not being engaged, throttle input must be fed-in manually by the pilot.
Right side tail rotor pedals are adjustable. Left seat pilot control may be removed and installed. The VSKYLABS R44 left collective is removed in the current version.
R44 Systems - RPM Governor Control:
The governor maintains engine RPM by sensing changes and applying corrective throttle inputs though a friction clutch which can be easily overridden by the pilot. The governor is active above 80% engine RPM and can be switched on/off using the toggle switch on the end of the right seat collective.
R44 Systems - Hydraulic System:
Main rotor flight controls are hydraulically-boosted. The hydraulic system includes a pump, three servos and a reservoir. The pump is mounted on and driven by the main gearbox. A servo is connected to each of the 3 push-pull tubes that support the main rotor swashplate. A pressure shut-off valve is solenoid actuated and controlled by the hydraulic switch on the pilot’s cyclic grip.
The switch should be left ON during engine shutdown and startup (except when performing hydraulic system check).
Without hydraulic pressure, a larger pilot input force is required.
R44 Systems - Control Friction Adjustment:
Cyclic and collective controls are equipped with adjustable friction mechanisms. The collective friction lever is located close to the collective axis point, and the cyclic friction knob is located left to the cyclic stick, on its base.
NOTE: The VSL R44 includes a functional collective friction lever. However, it does not feature cyclic friction.
R44 Systems - Engine Controls:
A twist grip throttle control is located on the collective stick head. The engine throttle is also correlated to collective inputs through a mechanical linkage (which is enabled in the VSKYLABS R44 only when the governor is engaged). Manual manipulation of the twist grip is not typically required except during start up, shut down, autorotation practice and emergencies.
Other engine controls include a mixture control on the console face, push-to-start buttons on pilot’s cyclic and collective, an engine governor switch on pilot’s collective, and a key-type ignition switch. The cyclic start button allows the pilot to maintain cyclic control during an air restart. The momentary (most clockwise) ignition switch position operates the auxiliary fuel pump for engine priming.
Starter buttons are active when the master switch is on, even if the ignition switch is off. The rotor brake should be left engaged after shutdown to disable the starter button and reduce the possibility of unintentional starter engagement.
R44 Systems - Clutch Actuator:
After the engine is started, it is coupled to the rotor drive system through vee-belts. An electric actuator raises the upper sheave when the pilot engages the clutch switch. The actuator senses compressive load (belt tension) and switches off when the vee-belts are properly tensioned. The clutch caution light illuminates whenever the actuator circuit is energized, either engaging, disengaging or retensioning the belts. The light stays on until the belts are properly tensioned or completely disengaged.
R44 Systems - Fuel System
The fuel system includes main and auxiliary fuel tanks, a shutoff valve control located between the front seats. A fuel return line allows pump supply in excess of engine demand to return to the fuel tanks.
The auxiliary pump primes the engine for starting and runs inflight to provide fuel pump redundancy. The engine will function normally with either the engine-driven or auxiliary (electric) pump operating.
The ignition switch prime position operates the auxiliary fuel pump for priming prior to engine start. After start, the pump runs continuously as long as the engine has oil pressure and the clutch switch is in the engaged position.
When the clutch switch is disengaged, the auxiliary pump is off and the aux fuel pump caution light should be illuminated. Proper mechanical fuel pump function is indicated by normal engine operation after engine start prior to clutch switch engagement and before shutdown while the clutch switch is disengaged.
The auxiliary fuel tank is interconnected with the main tank and is located higher, so it will become empty first, while fuel still remains in the main tank. The fuel shutoff valve controls flow from both tanks to the engine.
R44 Systems - Electrical System
A 28-volt DC electrical system which includes an alternator and a sealed lead-acid battery is standard.
The circuit breaker panel is on the ledge just forward to the left front seat. Breakers are marked to indicate function and amperage and are of the push to reset type.
NOTE: The CB panel in the VSKYLABS R44 is configured to simulate the electrical system. However, some parts of the simulated electrical system are simplified in the simulator. This may result in several non-switchable CB’s.
The battery switch controls the battery relay which disconnects the battery from the electrical system. A wire-protected by a fuse bypasses the battery relay to allow both tachometers and the clock to continue to receive power when the battery switch is set to off.
The alternator control unit protects the electrical system from overvoltage conditions. The ammeter indicates current to the battery. An ALT caution light in flight indicates low voltage and possible alternator failure. If ALT light stays on, or if the ammeter indicates discharge, land as soon as practical.
R44 Systems - Lighting System
A red anti collision light is installed on the tail cone. A flashing light is mounted on the tail cone as well. The lights are controlled by the strobe switch. Position/Nav lights are installed as well, controlled by the NAV LTS switch. Two landing lights are installed in the nose. A single landing light switch controls both lights and is located on the cyclic center post.
R44 Systems - Instrument Panel
Standard primary instruments include an airspeed indicator, engine and rotor dual tachometer, altimeter, manifold pressure gauge and magnetic compass. Engine gauges include an ammeter, oil pressure,oil temperature, cylinder head temperature and fuel quantity for main and auxiliary tanks. Also standard are a clock and a collective activated hour-meter.
R44 Systems - Instrument Panel
Robinson R44 Raven II Manual Section:
The VSKYLABS Robinson R44 Raven II was designed to follow the real R44 helicopter’s POH, within reasonable accuracy margins that are derived from various simulation-related limitations and project’s development status. Complete information regarding the R44, how to operate it and how to fly it can be found on Robinson Helicopter Company’s website.
*link directs to Robinson Helicopters website, Manual 26 JAN 2024.
DISCLAIMER
The links above are provided here *as is*. VSKYLABS is not responsible for its content. VSKYLABS is not affiliated with and/or endorsed by Robinson Helicopter Company. The links are brought here for the purpose of sharing common and public information resources for helicopter and R44 enthusiasts.
