Robinson’s all-new R88 to make European debut

Robinson Helicopter’s brand new R88 helicopter – the biggest the Californian company has ever made – will make its European debut at the European Rotors show and conference in Cologne, Germany from 18-20 November 2025.

The R88 was officially unveiled in Dallas in March 2025 and is Robinson’s first all-new model in nearly 15 years.

It is a utility helicopter to meet diverse mission requirements while maintaining the company’s core values of reliability, dependability, and affordability, said Robinson.

Seven months from the R88’s launch, Robinson Helicopter says it has more than 150 orders from customers worldwide. The starting price is $3.3 million USD.

Announcing the European debut of the all-new Robinson R88 helicopter!

See the future of utility aviation at European Rotors in Cologne, Germany, from Nov. 18-20.

Visit us at Booth #1712 to learn how the R88 delivers superior performance, multi-mission versatility, and unmatched… pic.twitter.com/PJohmVuFC7

— Robinson Helicopter Company (@Robinson_Heli) October 20, 2025

David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, said, “With the R88, we aim to disrupt the market by offering superior performance and capability at a competitive price.

“Our integrated manufacturing allows us to provide a highly capable, stylish, and affordable helicopter with readily available parts and predictable maintenance.”

The R88 is powered by Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arriel 2W 1,000 shaft horsepower (shp) engine. Robinson Helicopter is bundling Safran’s Serenity service and support package with every aircraft purchase at no additional cost to the customer.

“We are making significant strides in the R88 development programme, and the momentum here in Torrance is building,” continued Smith.

“Having Safran development staff on-site is critical. Their collaboration on the Arriel 2W engine integration is seamless and accelerates our entire timeline.

“Our engineering team is focused on building the first flight aircraft now, a massive undertaking that will culminate in the R88’s first flight in 2026.”

Robinson R88 reveal

R88 Fast Facts

• Seats up to eight in the main cabin and two in the cockpit
• Payload up to 1,800 pounds with full fuel; internal payload of over 2,800 pounds
• Range over 350nm with an endurance exceeding 3.5 hours
• 3,000-pound HEC-rated cargo hook
• Avionics: Garmin suite, including large G500H TXi displays and GTN navigator
• Autopilot: Standard 4-axis autopilot with features like level mode, hover assist, and speed protection
• Safety: Incorporates dual hydraulics for pitch and roll, an inlet barrier filter, and impact-resistant windshields certified to Part 29 transport requirements
• Configurable Interior with a flat floor and a fold-down, truck-bed style rear door for simplified cargo loading
• Dual cyclic controls with removable controls on both sides, allowing the pilot to sit in either seat. It will be type-certified for optional single-pilot IFR operations.

Robinson Helicopter Company