Photo: VAI/f-stop Photography Robinson takes wraps off new R88 model The OEM will reveal its new $3.3 million R88 large single-engine turbine helicopter at this year’s VERTICON. Robinson Helicopter Co. (RHC), Booth #8234, will reveal its new, $3.3-million R88 large single-engine turbine helicopter at this year’s VERTICON. The new aircraft features a Safran Arriel 2W 950-shaft-horsepower engine backed by the Serenity support program, Garmin G500H TXi glass-panel avionics, dual cyclic controls that are removable on either side, seating for up to 10 in a 275-cu.-ft. cabin, a full fuel capacity of 1,800 lb., a maximum range of 350 nautical miles, and an endurance topping 3.5 hours. The helicopter will retain Robinson’s signature two-bladed tail rotor and two-bladed main-rotor architecture, according to company CEO David Smith. The R88’s other features will include a reconfigurable flat-floor main cabin suitable for club seating, air medical, public safety, or utility missions; a truck-bed style fold-down rear door; two crew doors and two large sliding side doors behind them; standard skids or optional high skids; and other optional equipment, including a 3,000-lb. human external cargo (HEC)–rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike–protection kit, and pop-out floats. The R88’s Garmin avionics include crew alerting; standard four-axis autopilot with level mode; hover assist; limit cueing; and low/high speed protection. Standard data recording with data link and a health usage monitoring system (HUMS) also is included. The aircraft will be type certificated for single-pilot IFR (SPIFR) operations, and flight controls incorporate dual hydraulics. Other features include an engine inlet barrier filter, an impact-resistant windshield certified to Part 29 transport helicopter requirements, and new LED exterior lighting including pulse-landing, taxi, tail-rotor, scene, and entry lighting. Robinson says the R88 will be the most affordable helicopter to own, operate, and maintain in its class. Smith did not commit to a timeline for certification other than to say that “our goal is by the end of the decade to take over the market.”
