ROBINSON

Robinson Surprises Market with New R88 Helicopter for Up to 9 Passengers

Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) today announced its first all-new aircraft in nearly 15 years: the R88, a larger, more capable helicopter designed to meet a broader range of requirements while maintaining reliability, affordability and safety.

The R88 represents a significant expansion of Robinson Helicopter’s product portfolio, meeting the growing demand for versatile and cost-effective single-engine utility helicopters.

The configurable version of the 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 rapid reconfiguration to support a variety of operational needs.

“With the launch of the R88, we expect to revolutionize the single-engine helicopter market by offering superior performance and capabilities at a competitive price,” said David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “As the world’s most vertically integrated helicopter manufacturer, 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 more than 10,000 customers have come to expect from Robinson.”

Robinson Helicopter Company has selected Safran Helicopter Engines’ Turbomeca Arriel 2W turboshaft engine for the R88 and is offering industry-leading engine service and maintenance support integrated with every aircraft purchase through the new Arriel 2W Serenity package – a first for any commercial helicopter. This engine is the same series used in direct competitors such as the Airbus H125 Squirrel, H130 and H145.

The Serenity package will be included with the purchase of every new R88 helicopter and includes services such as unscheduled maintenance coverage for five years or 2,000 flight hours (whichever comes first), premium health monitoring and advanced digital services. This partnership between Robinson Helicopter Company and Safran Helicopter Engines provides additional confidence in the ongoing maintenance and support of each Robinson R88 helicopter. The Arriel engine family has accumulated over 66 million flight hours and is used in a variety of demanding missions globally.

Key Features and Capabilities:

-Size and Capacity: The R88 is the largest and most capable aircraft ever designed by Robinson Helicopter, with seating for eight in the main cabin and two in the flight deck, totaling nine passengers and one pilot. It has approximately 7.7 cubic meters of internal volume.

-Performance: The R88 offers a range of over 350 nautical miles (648 kilometers) and an endurance of over 3.5 hours. The aircraft is expected to have an internal payload of over 1,270 kg and will be powered by a single 950hp Safran Arriel 2W engine. Highly Configurable Interior: The highly configurable cabin features a flat floor, allowing for multiple forward and lounge-style seating arrangements, effective configurations for air medical transport and public safety missions, and a variety of future layout options. A rear, truck-style hinged door facilitates cargo loading and accommodates a stretcher for HEMS services.

-Exterior Adaptability: The aircraft is available with standard skids or optionally with taller skids to increase ground clearance and ensure compatibility with a firefighting water tank. Optional equipment includes a 3,000-pound (1,360 kg) HEC-rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire impact protection kit and retractable floats.

-Advanced Avionics: The R88 features a suite of Garmin avionics, including large G500H TXi displays and GTN navigators with touchscreen controls. The G500H TXi system incorporates a crew alerting system. It also comes equipped with a standard 4-axis autopilot with features such as leveling mode, hover assist, limit indication and low/high speed protection. 

-Enhanced Safety: The R88 integrates dual hydraulic systems for critical pitch and roll controls. Other standard safety features include an inlet barrier filter and impact-resistant windshields. New LED exterior lighting – with pulsating landing and taxi lights, tail rotor lighting, scene lighting and entry lights – further enhances safety. 

-Innovative Design: The R88 features dual cyclic controls with removable controls on both sides, allowing the pilot in command to occupy either the left or right seat, with a passenger in the opposite seat. The aircraft will be certified for single-pilot IFR operations as an option. The all-new interior design features comfortable, functional seating, easy-care materials and a versatile layout.

Price: The R88 starts at $3.3 million for the highly equipped standard configuration. The R88 is certified as a new type certificate, undergoing rigorous testing and engineering in every aspect of the aircraft. The California-based company is now accepting deposits for pre-order purchases.

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