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Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Robinson unveils R88, a 10-seat single-engine helicopter for multiple missions
Listen to article Robinson Helicopter has introduced the R88, a 10-seat single-engine turbine helicopter, marking a significant expansion beyond its traditional light helicopter models. The clean-sheet design will require a new type certificate, with first flight expected as early as this year and certification projected later this decade. The company has begun taking orders for the $3.3 million aircraft. Specifications and capabilities The R88 features a 275-cubic-foot cabin designed to accommodate up to eight passengers or 1,800 pounds of payload with full fuel. It is intended for aerial firefighting, air medical transport, utility work, and passenger transport, with a reconfigurable cabin for various missions. The aircraft will be powered by a Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2W engine, producing 1,000 shaft horsepower. The R88 expands upon the company's existing lineup, which currently includes the five-seat R66 powered by a 300-shp Rolls-Royce turboshaft engine. David Smith, Robinson Helicopter's president and CEO, described the R88 as a single-engine alternative offering cabin capacity and performance comparable to some twin-engine helicopters. Design and structural changes The R88 maintains Robinson's two-blade teetering main rotor system, similar to previous models, but with modifications to enhance performance and reduce noise. It will also include impact-resistant windshields certified to Part 29 transport helicopter standards as a standard feature. Unlike previous Robinson models, the R88 will not use the company's signature teeter bar single-post cyclic control system. Instead, it will adopt traditional dual cyclic controls due to the aircraft's wider cabin geometry. The structure will be based on a welded steel frame with aluminum skin, incorporating carbon-fiber composites where appropriate. The aircraft will also feature dual hydraulic controls for pitch and roll. Mission and operational features The R88 will have an external cargo hook rated for human external cargo (HEC) operations, capable of lifting up to 3,000 pounds. It will also include a fold-down rear entry door for easier medevac stretcher loading, along with sliding rear doors. The helicopter's range is estimated to exceed 350 nautical miles, with a flight endurance of more than 3.5 hours. Additional options for the aircraft include a utility basket, wire-strike protection kit, pop-out floats, and high skids for firefighting water tank compatibility. Avionics and systems The R88 will feature a fully integrated Garmin avionics suite with touchscreen G500H TXi displays, a crew alerting system, and GTN navigation and communication units. A four-axis Garmin autopilot will be standard, providing level mode, hover assist, limit cueing, and speed protection. The aircraft will also include a health usage monitoring system and data recording with a built-in datalink. The Safran Arriel 2W engine will require certification but is based on an existing model. It will be derated to operate below its maximum power rating. Each R88 will include a Safran service program covering unscheduled removals for five years or 2,000 flight hours. Production and certification timeline The first flight test article of the R88 is currently under construction. Robinson Helicopter aims to complete first flight testing within the next year, but the timeline remains dependent on integration with Safran's engine and the Garmin avionics suite. Company executives estimate that certification will take between 2.5 and 4 years, based on past certification timelines for other Robinson models. The company has already opened the order book, with potential buyers directed to R66 dealers for deposits. Robinson Helicopter, headquartered in Torrance, California, expects the R88 to attract new customers while also offering an upgrade path for existing Robinson operators.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Company Unveils Larger Aircraft With a Highly Configurable Cabin and Most Standard Safety Equipment in the Segment, Allowing Operators to Accomplish More
Robinson R88 Interior Robinson R88 Interior Robinson R88 Interior All-New R88 Powered by Single Engine Safran Arriel 2W and Serenity Package All-Glass G500H TXi from Garmin Dual Cyclic Controls and Single-Pilot IFR Operations Most Affordable to Own, Operate and Maintain in its Class DALLAS and TORRANCE, Calif., March 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) announced its first all-new aircraft in nearly 15 years, the R88, a larger, and increasingly capable helicopter designed to meet a wider range of mission requirements while maintaining the company's hallmark reliability, affordability, and safety. The R88 represents a significant expansion of Robinson Helicopter's product portfolio, addressing the increasing demand for versatile and cost-effective single-engine utility helicopters. The highly configurable R88 is designed for a variety of missions, including aerial firefighting, air medical transport, utility work, passenger transport and more. Its adaptable interior design allows for quick reconfiguration, supporting various mission needs. "With the unveiling of the R88, we expect to disrupt the single-engine helicopter market, offering superior performance and capabilities at a competitive price," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. 'As the most vertically integrated manufacturer of helicopters in the world, we have a unique opportunity to provide solutions that no other manufacturer can – a highly-capable and affordable helicopter with readily available parts and predictable maintenance. This is exactly what our 10,000+ existing customers have come to expect from Robinson.' Robinson Helicopter Company selected the Safran Helicopter Engines' Arriel 2W engine for the R88 and is providing market-leading engine service and support as part of every aircraft purchase in the new Arriel 2W Serenity package, a first of its kind offering for any commercial helicopter. The Serenity package will be included with the purchase of each new R88 helicopter. Serenity includes services, such as unscheduled maintenance coverage for five years or 2,000 flying hours (whichever comes first), premium health monitoring, and advanced digital services. This package from Robinson Helicopter Company and Safran Helicopter Engines offers additional confidence in the maintenance and ongoing support of every Robinson R88 helicopter. The Arriel engine family has accumulated over 66 million flight hours and is used in various demanding missions Features and Capabilities: Size and Capacity: The R88 is the largest and most capable aircraft Robinson Helicopter has designed, with capacity for eight main cabin seats and two cockpit seats. It has approximately 275 cubic feet of cabin volume. Performance: The R88 offers a range of over 350 nautical miles and endurance exceeding 3.5 hours. The aircraft is expected to have an internal payload of more than 2,800 pounds and will be powered by a 950-shaft horse-power single engine in the Safran Arriel 2W. Highly Configurable Interior: The highly configurable cabin features a flat floor, allowing for multiple forward and club seating configurations, effective air medical and public safety mission configurations, and multiple future seating options. A fold-down, truck-bed style rear door simplifies cargo loading and accommodates a HEMS stretcher. Exterior Adaptability: The aircraft is available with standard skids or optional high skids for increased ground clearance and compatibility with a firefighting water tank. Optional equipment includes a 3,000-pound HEC-rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike protection kit, and pop-out floats. Advanced Avionics: The R88 features a Garmin avionics suite, including large G500H TXi displays and GTN navigators with touchscreen controls. The G500H TXi includes a crew alerting system. A standard 4-axis autopilot with features such as level mode, hover assist, limit cueing, and low/high speed protection. Standard data recording with datalink and a health usage monitoring system (HUMS) simplifies operation and maintenance. Enhanced Safety: The R88 incorporates dual hydraulics for pitch and roll for critical flight controls. Other standard safety features include an inlet barrier filter and impact-resistant windshields certified to Part 29 transport helicopter requirements. New LED exterior lighting, including pulse landing and taxi lights, tail rotor lighting, scene lighting, and entry lights, further enhance safety. Innovative Design: The R88 introduces dual cyclic controls with removable controls on both sides, allowing the pilot in command to be in either the left or right seat with a passenger in the other seat. The aircraft will be type-certified for optional single-pilot IFR operations. The all-new interior design features comfortable, functional seating, easy-to-maintain materials, and a versatile layout. Affordability: The R88 is priced starting at $3.3 million USD in current dollars for the highly equipped standard configuration. The R88 is an all-new type certificate, undergoing rigorous testing and engineering for every aspect of the aircraft. The company will be taking deposits from Authorized Robinson Helicopter Dealers starting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Verticon. 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 Contacts: Robinson Helicopter CompanyRobyn E. Lee-Anne x294 Photos accompanying this announcement are available athttps://
