Robinson Unveils the R88: Its First All-New Helicopter in Nearly 15 Years

Source: Robinson Helicopter Company

Robinson Helicopter Company (‘Robinson’), headquartered in Torrance, California, has officially introduced its first all-new helicopter model in nearly 15 years—the R88. This highly anticipated vehicle significantly expands the company’s product line, offering increased capacity, versatility, and cutting-edge avionics.

A Versatile and Configurable 

The R88 is designed to meet diverse mission requirements while upholding Robinson’s reputation for reliability, affordability, and safety. This new model will be Robinson’s largest aircraft, featuring a spacious and highly adaptable interior that can accommodate various configurations for missions such as aerial firefighting, air ambulance transport, utility work, and passenger transport.

Robinson states, “The R88’s adaptable interior design allows for quick reconfiguration, supporting various mission needs.” The helicopter will offer seating for up to eight passengers in the main cabin, along with two cockpit seats. Its payload capacity will reach up to 1,800 lbs (816kg) with full fuel, and the aircraft will feature approximately 275 cubic feet (7.8m) of cabin volume.

Performance and Capabilities

The R88 is built for efficiency and endurance. It offers a range of over 350 nautical miles (648km) and a flight endurance exceeding 3.5 hours. It will be powered by a single 1,000-shaft horsepower Safran Arriel 2W turbine engine, allowing for an internal payload capacity of more than 2,800 lbs (1,270kg).

Key design features include:

• A flat floor for multiple forward and club seating configurations

• A fold-down, truck-bed style rear door for more effortless cargo loading

• The ability to accommodate a full-sized patient stretcher for air medical operations

• Standard skids with optional high skids for additional ground clearance and firefighting tank compatibility

Optional equipment offerings include a 3,000-pound HEC-rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike protection kit, and pop-out floats.

Advanced Avionics and Safety Features

The R88 will feature a state-of-the-art Garmin avionics suite in the cockpit, including large G500H TXi displays with touchscreen controls. It will also have a standard 4-axis autopilot featuring level mode, hover assist, limit cueing, and low/high-speed protection. The aircraft will include a data recording system, a data link, and a health usage monitoring system (HUMS) for simplified maintenance and operational tracking.

Robinson has incorporated several key safety enhancements into the R88, such as:

• Dual hydraulics for pitch and roll in critical flight controls

• An inlet barrier filter for engine protection

• Impact-resistant windshields meeting Part 29 transport helicopter requirements

• LED exterior lighting for increased visibility and safety, including pulse landing/taxi lights, tail rotor lighting, and scene lighting

The R88 will also be type-certified for optional single-pilot IFR operations, enhancing its utility in various mission profiles.

A Competitive Entry into the Market

Robinson aims to position the R88 as a disruptive force in the single-engine helicopter market. It combines high performance with cost-effective operation. With a base price of $3.3 million in its standard configuration, the R88 presents a compelling alternative for operators seeking a powerful yet economical aircraft.

“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.”