Robinson Helicopter has started assembling the thousandth R66 helicopter. This model is in great demand and popular in the world along with the R44. Promising news for the company and the development of a fairly popular helicopter model.
The Robinson R66 is a light multi-purpose helicopter, the first gas turbine helicopter. The development of this model began in the early 2000s. The helicopter made its first flight on November 7, 2007. Orders for the helicopter began to arrive in 2010, and the first sales were made in 2011. Since its release, the helicopter has flown more than one million hours.
The R66 is a single-engine helicopter with a two-bladed main and tail rotor. Robinson R66 is made of aluminum and steel alloys, as well as composite materials.
The main feature of the helicopter is the Rolls-Royce RR300 gas turbine. It is more compact and lighter, unlike the six-cylinder piston engine Lycoming O-540, which accordingly makes the R66 lighter than the R44. It is also worth noting the cylinder-type fuel system. The new engine for the helicopter is equipped with an anti-icing system, which is included in the basic package, is quite an important point in the operating conditions in our country in the winter.
The turbine consumes 87 liters of aviation kerosene per hour, the engine of the previous model consumed 57 liters of gasoline per hour.
The R66 helicopter has collected many design elements of the R44 model. But at the same time, the Robinson 66 has increased power with a good reserve, the helicopter has improved flight characteristics. A more spacious and roomy cabin allows you to take 4 passengers on board. Another useful option was the luggage compartment with a cargo compartment, a capacity of up to 140 kg, which allows you to equip the helicopter with an additional tank. The R44 helicopter does not have a luggage compartment initially.
The helicopter cabin configuration provides a panoramic view for both the pilot and passengers. The R66 is equipped with energy-absorbing seats, which significantly affects comfort.
The R66 is made of composite materials, aluminum and various steel alloys. The helicopter is equipped with electromechanical instruments, as well as modern digital ones, which significantly expands the range of options for the pilot.
Robinson helicopters are assembled at their own plant in Torrance, California, USA. In-house production guarantees the highest quality control of production. The equipment at the enterprise meets all the latest standards and requirements. To check the accuracy, coordinate measuring machines are used, capable of checking the dimensions of the processed parts within 3 microns. Such accuracy significantly affects the replacement of spare parts.
The flight and technical characteristics of the Robinson R66 helicopter allow it to be placed on a par with helicopters costing several times more. The cost of the Robinson R66 Turbine in the basic configuration is 815 thousand usd, one of the lowest prices for a gas turbine helicopter.
In our country, the R66 is used for private and commercial purposes. In our work, we use this helicopter both for sightseeing flights and for tours and charter flights in Ukraine. Enjoy your flight and welcome aboard!
22 MAR 2020