Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage conditions may apply

Beginning in the mid-1950s, most new helicopter designs utilized gas-turbine engines in place of reciprocating (piston) models. When Frank Robinson introduced the R44 in 1992, he altered this trend in the light-utility class by utilizing a low-cost reciprocating powerplant combined with a simple teetering rotor system to significantly lower acquisition and operating costs without substantial reductions in performance.

G-MURY has flown around the world twice with Jennifer Murray at the controls. From May 10 to August 8, 1997, with her instructor, Quentin Smith, she became the first person to pilot a piston-powered helicopter around the world and the first woman to fly a helicopter around the world. Between May 31 and September 6, 2000, Murray made her second around-the-world flight, becoming the first woman to do so solo in a helicopter.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Vertical Flight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Vertical Flight
Object Details
Type CRAFT-Rotary Wing Dimensions Rotor Diameter: 10.1 m (33 ft 0 in)
Length: 11.8 m (29 ft 9 in)
Height: 3.3 m (10 ft 9 in)
Weight: Empty, 635 kg (1,400 lb)
Gross, 1,088 kg (2,400 lb)
 Inventory Number A20040117000 Credit Line Gift of Frank Robinson and Robinson Helicopter Company Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use. You may also like Celebrating Jerrie Mock, the First Solo World Flight by a Woman, and All Women Earth Rounders