Robinson R44 Camera Systems – Rugged HD Video Kits for Tour, Training, Law Enforcement, Aerial Patrol and other applications
Bad Wolf Technologies LLC, home of Datatoys video systems, offers a complete camera system built specifically for the Robinson R44 helicopter. Whether you’re conducting flight tours, law enforcement patrols, aerial training, or utility inspections, our systems deliver high-definition video with the reliability and durability essential for real-world airborne operations.
Designed for quick installation, a minimal footprint, and compliance with aviation standards, the R44 solution includes HD-SDI bullet cameras, lightweight airborne DVRs, aircraft mounts, and all required accessories.
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Built for the Robinson R44 Platform
The Robinson R44 remains one of the most popular light helicopters in the world, serving with a wide range of civilian, government, and commercial applications. We have developed a dedicated tail cam solution specifically for R44. It handles vibration, shock, and whatever else is thrown at it. Various mounting points.
Common R44 missions that benefit from onboard video systems include:
- Tour operators capturing scenic flight recordings for customers
- Flight schools recording pilot training sessions and cockpit performance
- Law enforcement aviation units conducting patrols using the R44
- News and media crews gathering onboard footage
- Pipeline and infrastructure inspection flights
- Aerial fire response and EMS support operations teams
Our systems are lightweight, reliable, and engineered to withstand harsh environments caused by vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and rapid start-up demands.
HD Nano Bullet Camera – Robinson R44 Bullet Camera
The ultimate in flexibility: two simultaneous video feeds and support for three different video formats—3G/HD-SDI, Analog HD, and CVBS.
The HD Nano Bullet Camera (P/N: BW-CAM-HDNANO) delivers high-definition video in a rugged, ultra-compact form factor designed for demanding aviation environments. Built with a precision Sony Starvis IMX327 LQR1-C sensor, it produces crisp, low-noise footage even in challenging light conditions. Its durable housing and specially-treated internal electronics resist vibration and EMI, making it ideal for exterior or interior mounting on the R44 for patrol, tours, aerial survey missions, search and rescue, and more. Excellent choice for live viewing applications.
Two simultaneous video feeds and support for three different video formats—3G/HD-SDI, Analog HD, and CVBS – ensures your investment longevity.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2.8” SONY Starvis CMOS IMX327 LQR1-C (Exmor family) EYENIX DSP |
| Minimum illumination / Low light performance | 0.0073 LUX @F2.5, 30IRE |
| Video Output | – High Definition – 3G-SDI / HD-SDI: 1080i60/50/25/30, 1080p60/50/30/25, 720p60/50/30/25 – Analog HD – Standard Definition – CVBS Analog (NTSC and PAL), RS170 |
| Dimensions | 19 mm × 56 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 80 g |
| IP Rating | IP67 – water, weather and dust proof |
| Lens Options | Multiple options covering 20°–115° FOV (e.g. 2.9, 3.7, 6, 8, 12, 16 mm) |
| OSD Control | Multiple camera harness options, with and without OSD control: – Built into camera harness for on-site configuration – Removable OSD controller – Removable OSD controller with RS485 – No OSD |
| Advanced Features (abridged) | Low light enhancements: WDR / BLC / ACE / 3D DNR / SENSE-UP Image enhancements: SHARPNESS / COLOR LEVEL / MIRROR / FLIP / LENS SHADING / GAMMA / D-ZOOM / DEFOG Exposure: BRIGHTNESS / AGC / SHUTTER MODE & SPEED Brightness: AGC, White Balance, Day/Night, Motion Detection, etc. Special: Motion Detection, Privacy and DIS (digital image stabilization) |
| Applications | Aviation, drones, UAVs, marine and navy applications, surveillance, CCTV; industrial and harsh environment, energy / offshore oils and gas exploration, SAR, air ambulance, airborne law enforcement, and general use. Perfect for R44 helicopter installations, it can endure the vibrations of the tail rotor. It functions equally well as a tail cam or a cockpit camera. |
CUBE29 HD-SDI Mini Cube Camera – Robinson R44 Camera
At the heart of many Robinson R44 video solutions is the CUBE29 HD-SDI Mini Cube Camera, a compact, high-performance imaging system purpose-built for airborne operations. Engineered for exceptional clarity in demanding environments, its ultra-small form factor allows seamless integration into tight cabin spaces without compromising on full HD video quality. The CUBE29 delivers professional-grade results in a lightweight, aviation-ready package.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Output | SDI, 3G-SDI |
| Size | 29mm x 29mm x 29mm, Ultra-Compact Cube Housing |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8” 2.38 Megapixel Sony Exmor CMOS Sensor 7 |
| Min. Illumination | Color: 0.2 Lux @ F1.2 B&W: 0.01 Lux @ F1.2 |
| Signal Reliability | Shielded against EMI and vibration |
| Mounting Compatibility | Options: Ceiling, bulkhead, instrument panel |
The CUBE29 is plug-and-play with Datatoys AirKnight DVRs systems and supports output (SDI, 3G-SDI) for compatability with modern systems that require high quality video. Because it uses C/CS mounts, the user has virtually unlimmited choices of lenses from fixed to verifocal, which gives benefit of wide/narrow field of view (FOV) for inspections.
Helicopter Hoist Camera for Robinson R44
Bad Wolf Technologies / Datatoys provides a fully qualified RTCA / DO-160G helicopter hoist camera designed for hoist operations, search and rescue missions, air ambulance services, and law enforcement tasks. This camera includes RTCA / DO-160G qualification test reports and has been tested for shock, vibration, saltwater spray, dust, extreme temperatures, and EMI/RF interference, making it ideal for Robinson R44 hoist-equipped platforms.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualifications / Certification | RTCA / DO‑160G qualified for civil (and military) aviation. |
| Video Output | CVBS (HD-SDI/3G-SDI version available) |
| Sensor | 1.3 megapixel Sony Starvis IMX017 with Eyenix DSP |
| Housing | Waterproof, fog‑proof, submersible, rugged aircraft grade 6061 aluminum alloy chassis |
| Weight | Under 1 pound for easy handling |
| Temperature Range | Operating from −40 °C to +55 °C, with options to +75 °C |
| Mounting and Integration | Self-contained hoist kit; compatible with R44 hoist systems |
Mounting Options for the Robinson R44
| Mount Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Cabin / Ceiling | Mounted above rear passengers or center cabin |
| Windshield Support Bar | For cockpit or pilot-focused recording |
| Rear Wall (term. change) | Facing forward or down for passenger view |
| Skid Tube or Frame | External mounting for scenic or mission footage Monitor takeoff and landing |
| Instrument panel bracket | Compact forward-facing option |
R44 Compatible DVR Recording Options
Datatoys offers a range of airborne DVRs that pair seamlessly with 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SDI and CVBS NTSC / PAL and RS170 standard definition video camera systems for the R44. These recorders are built to aviation standards and include removable media, multi-channel options, and more.
| DVR Model | Channels | Storage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirKnight HD | 1 to 2 | USB or SD storage media | GPS with data overlay, GPS data logging, excellent video quality, dual storage media options, robust network connectivity, and powerful streaming capabilities. |
| Red Hawk | 1 | Built-in SSD or removable USB storage. | MIL-SPEC qualified to MIL-STD-461F and MIL-STD-810G for use in harsh environments, it’s ruggedly built to endure tough conditions. With strong networking capabilities and exceptional video recording and streaming performance, it delivers outstanding video quality. |
| Corsair | 1 to 4 | Removable SSD with USB interface. | A modular multi-channel design enables support for multiple encoders and video formats, including high-definition HD-SDI and standard definition CVBS NTSC, PAL, and RS170, delivering exceptional streaming performance. It features removable SSD storage capable of holding hundreds of hours of recorded video. It meets MIL-STD-461E and MIL-STD-810G military standards. |
Bad Wolf Technologies / Datatoys DVRs are built on industry standards—recordings are saved in TS, AVI, or MP4 formats, with no proprietary media or playback software required. All units support HD-SDI input and can also record cabin audio, pilot communications, and GPS position data. Files are fully compatible with common media players such as VLC, Windows Media Player, and many others.
Popular Robinson R44 Camera System Configurations
| Mission Type | Recommended Setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Tours | 2 cameras (passenger and forward) + DVR | Optional picture-in-picture video, video camera switching, and a wired Remote Control Unit (RCU), with the capability to record high-quality audio in multiple formats. |
| Areal Law Enforcement / Aerial Firefighting Government / Defense / Military SAR search and rescue / Air Ambulance, and more | Cabin, FLIR / Thermal cameras, flight computer and MFD multifunction display feed + DVR | Third-party support includes FLIR forward-looking infrared camera integration, Imperx cameras, and additional options. |
| Flight Training | Cockpit camera, forward view camera + DVR | Post-flight debriefing between the instructor and student is crucial. Instant video feedback serves as an excellent learning tool for students while also boosting instructor productivity. |
| Areal Patrol Energy Grid Infrastructure monitoring | Forward, downward, or side-mounted cameras with GPS-enabled DVR, plus optional thermal and corona cameras. | Time and location stamps on mission video recordings make post-flight debriefing much easier. |
| Media/News Flights | External scenic camera, cabin camera, and AirKnight DVR. | USB or SD media storage for fast editing. |
Bad Wolf Technologies / Datatoys offers custom configurations too. Share your mission profile, and we’ll customize the system to meet your requirements.
HD-SDI and Analog Video Output Support
flexible video formats in a single package
All R44 camera kits include HD-SDI output for uncompressed 1080p60 video. Optional composite (CVBS) output is available for legacy monitors or dual-feed redundancy.
| Output Format | Application |
|---|---|
| 3G-SDI and HD-SDI (1080p60) | Video recording, real time viewing. |
| CVBS NTSC and PAL, RS170 | Upgrade legacy infrastructure cameras with a plug-and-play replacement that delivers excellent video quality without requiring re-wiring of the aircraft. Ideal for existing CVBS installations. |
| Dual Output (HD and SD) | Both HD and SD streams from a single camera (excluding the 29mm Cube Cam). |
HD-SDI offers incredibly low latency, making it essential for applications like cockpit awareness and law enforcement observation.
Advantages of Using Datatoys on the R44
Datatoys has extensive experience equipping Robinson R44 helicopters with aviation-rated video equipment. Here’s why R44 operators rely on our systems:
- Compact, lightweight hardware designed to fit the R44 cabin
- Cabling solutions that route cleanly through the airframe
- Plug-and-play installation with minimal downtime
- Video systems that power up immediately with the aircraft
- Real time viewing
- Removable media for easy file transfer
- US-based support and integration specialists available upon request
All systems are tested to perform reliably under the specific conditions experienced in R44 operations, including vibration, temperature changes, and EMI interference.
Who Uses Datatoys Systems in the R44
Our Robinson R44 video systems are used by:
- Scenic flight tour companies in Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Las Vegas, etc.
- Local law enforcement and sheriff departments with aviation units
- Infrastructure and pipeline survey teams
- Fire departments and emergency response units
- Private aviation and cinematography teams
- Flight Training
- Surveillance
Every installation is backed by our engineering team, and we offer documentation and support.
Request Your Robinson R44 Camera System
Bad Wolf Technologies / Datatoys tailors each helicopter system to meet your specific requirements. Simply share your flight profile and desired features, and we’ll provide a complete R44 camera kit that includes:
- One or more HD-SDI bullet cameras
- Bad Wolf Tech’s rugged airborne DVR with your choice of storage
- Mounting brackets and installation hardware
- Audio integration and GPS tagging options
- Aviation-grade cabling and connectors
- User interface and quick start documentation
Systems are available in tour, tactical, and hybrid configurations and are designed for minimal installation impact on your airframe.
Contact Us
Ready to upgrade your Robinson R44 with a reliable, mission-ready video system? Reach out to our team for a quote, spec sheet, or consultation.