Whirlybirds are cool: need to beat the heat in the air? Robinson gets air-conditioning.Air conditioning air conditioning, mechanical process for controlling the humidity, temperature, cleanliness, and circulation of air in buildings and rooms. Indoor air is conditioned and regulated to maintain the temperature-humidity ratio that is most comfortable and healthful. is routinely standard equipment on cars and trucks--but not helicopters. Robinson Helicopter The Robinson Helicopter Company of Torrance, California is the largest manufacturer of civil helicopters in the world. The company was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, an ex-employee of Bell Helicopter and The Hughes Helicopter Company. Co. is looking to change that. The Torrance-based maker of civilian choppers is now offering A/C in its models, after spending years wrestling with the inherent problems of added weight and reduced power. The cooling units, which add 33 lbs. to Robinson's R22 two-seat and R44 four-seat helicopters--priced at $200,000 and up--were tested in 115-degree heat in Phoenix this summer. The A/C adds $18,000 to the price. "Executives wear suits even when it's really hot out," said Kurt Robinson, vice president of product support. "This should make the ride a lot more comfortable." Up until now, passengers have had to open the vents to cool down; a noisy solution. The company, which was started in 1975, sold 690 units grossing $220 million last year, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Forecast International Inc. It markets its choppers as being cheaper and lighter weight than larger piston models--as well as being less expensive to maintain. They're being used by commercial fisherman for spotting schools of tuna tuna or tunny, game and food fishes, the largest members of the family Scombridae (mackerel family) and closely related to the albacore and bonito. They have streamlined bodies with two fins, and five or more finlets on the back. , news agencies for shooting footage, military pilots for training and by wealthy executives for shuttling around the huge and gridlocked grid·lock n. 1. A traffic jam in which no vehicular movement is possible, especially one caused by the blockage of key intersections within a grid of streets. 2. cities of Brazil, where carjackings and kidnappings are rampant. About 60 percent of Robinson's sales are overseas. Rising interest rates and a stronger dollar are expected to cut into sales, but Robinson believes the new model should help attract added interest. Forecast aerospace analyst Bill Dane agrees. "Anytime you have major upgrades, you see an initial flurry Flurry A drastic volume increase in a specific security. , a peak from pent-up demand from people waiting to buy the new model," he said. |
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