Robinson reveals new R88 heli with $3.8m price tag: Verticon

Think R44 but bigger (and more expensive). Launching its first new helicopter in 15 years, The Robinson Helicopter Company chose the Verticon – the vertical aviation event in Dallas, Texas – to launch its new R88 model, which comes with a $3.8m price tag.

The largest aircraft Robinson has designed, the cabin has eight main cabin seats, two cockpit seats adding to a total cabin volume of about 275 cubic feet.

Offering a range of more than 350 nautical miles and endurance exceeding 3.5 hours, the R88 is expected to have an internal payload of more than 2,800lbs.

Power will be supplied by a single Safran Arriel 2W, 1,000-shaft horse-power engine.

The aircraft is available with standard skids or optional high skids offering 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.

The R88 incorporates dual cyclic controls with removable controls on both sides, enabling the pilot in command to sit in either the left or right seat with a passenger in the other seat. The helicopter will be type-certified for optional single-pilot IFR operations.

“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.”

In total, the manufacturer has more than 10,000 customers, he added.

The new R88 – at a glance

• Size and Capacity: Eight main cabin seats, two cockpit seats.
• Performance: Over 350nm. Endurance over 3.5 hours. Internal payload predicted at 2,800lbs. Powered by a 1,000-shaft horse-power single engine in the Safran Arriel 2W.
• Configurable Interior: Flat floor said to enable multiple forward and club seating configurations, air medical and public safety mission configurations and multiple future seating options. A fold-down, truck-bed style rear door simplifies cargo loading and takes HEMS stretcher.
• Exterior Adaptability: Standard skids or high skids for increased ground clearance and compatibility with a firefighting water tank. Optional equipment includes a 3,000lbs HEC-rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike protection kit and pop-out floats.
• Advanced Avionics: 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 and low/high speed protection. Standard data recording with datalink and a health usage monitoring system (HUMS) said to simplify 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.
• Costs: Starts at $3.3m for the highly equipped standard configuration.