Custom R22 Helicopter Used for Modern Animal Management and Agriculture Work Showcased in New Exhibition
SIMI VALLEY, CA – September 23, 2025 – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) received a brand-new Robinson R22 helicopter from Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world's leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, for its new exhibition, “Cowboys: History & Hollywood.” The helicopter will be a central feature of the new exhibition, "Cowboys: History & Hollywood," which opens to the public on October 18, 2025, and runs through April 19, 2026.
The upcoming exhibition explores the evolution of the American cowboy, from traditional horseback riders to today’s modern aerial managers. The R22, a two-seat light utility helicopter known for its reliability and efficiency, will take center stage, highlighting how technology has revolutionized ranching and agriculture. The R22's inclusion illustrates the shift from traditional ranching methods to a more technologically advanced approach to animal management.
Robinson Helicopter recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the R22’s first flight, a cornerstone moment that changed the narrative for the future of helicopters. Before the R22, helicopters were mostly confined to military, para-public, and corporate use. The R22 changed that, opening up new opportunities for pilots worldwide, including animal mustering.
“The R22 has long been a reliable tool in the ranching and livestock world, enabling the hard work and ingenuity of the modern cowboy who flies a helicopter, rather than riding a horse,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Despite many who view Robinson helicopters as personal transportation, a large percentage of the nearly 15,000 aircraft we've produced right in Torrance, California, are workhorses built for tough jobs. Australia, South Texas, and South Africa are all markets where our customers use our helicopters for animal mustering and other agricultural work, and this exhibit allows us to share the stories of our owners and operators.”
The 10,000-square-foot exhibition will blend Western history with Hollywood's mythmaking, featuring authentic gear, rare photographs, historic artifacts, and memorabilia from classic Western films that shaped the cowboy image people know today.
“We’re grateful to Robinson Helicopter for creating and loaning to us this one-of-a-kind Ronald-Reagan branded helicopter, which captures President Reagan’s own cowboy spirit,” said David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “Featuring a Robinson R22 helicopter within our 'Cowboys: History & Hollywood' exhibit illustrates how innovation advances the iconic tradition of cattle herding – reflecting the same resourcefulness and determination that President Reagan championed throughout his life.” For more information and tickets, visit the Reagan Library website.
About Robinson Helicopter Company
For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com.
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