Robinson launches all-new R88 helicopter at US trade show

VIDEO Robinson Helicopter Company has launched its first all-new helicopter in nearly 15 years: the R88.

It’s much larger than previous Robinson helicopters and is a significant expansion for the Torrance, California based manufacturer.

The R88 is aimed squarely at the market for single-engine utility helicopters. It’s configurable for designed for a variety of missions, including aerial firefighting, air medical transport, utility work, passenger transport and more.

David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, said at the R88’s launch at this year’s Verticon trade show, “With the unveiling of the R88, we expect to disrupt the single-engine helicopter market, offering superior performance and capabilities at a competitive price.

“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.”

The R88 is priced from US$3.3m for the standard version.

Robinson R88 key features:

• Single Safran Arriel 2W engine producing 1,000shp
• All-Glass G500H TXi flightdeck from Garmin
• Dual Cyclic Controls and Single-Pilot IFR Operations
• Serenity package included overing services, unscheduled removals coverage for five years or 2,000 flying hours, premium health monitoring, and advanced digital services
• Capacity for eight main cabin seats, two cockpit seats and a payload capacity of up to 1,800 pounds with full fuel
• 275 cubic feet of cabin volume
• Range over 350nm and endurance exceeding 3.5 hours
• Highly configurable cabin with flat floor
• Fold-down, truck-bed style rear door simplifies cargo loading and accommodates HEMS stretcher
• Available with standard skids or optional high skids for increased ground clearance
• Compatibility with a firefighting water tank
• Options include  3,000-pound HEC-rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike protection kit, and pop-out floats.
• 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.

Robinson R88