Robinson Helicopter has delivered R66 Turbine serial number 1000 to a Robinson dealer, Les Gillespie of Gardner Aviation in Peachtree City, Georgia.
The R66 was FAA-certified in October 2010 and the first production R66 delivered the following month. Powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, the R66 recently surpassed 1.2 million flight hours without a single reported in-flight engine failure. This accomplishment demonstrates a level of reliability that exceeds EASA’s stringent requirements for single-engine helicopters.
“Delivering serial number 1000 demonstrates the R66 is the top performer and leader in its class,” said Robinson president, Kurt Robinson.
These days, the R66 is offered with a full range of options including a cargo hook, lithium-ion battery, fuel flow system, auxiliary fuel tanks, impact resistance windshields, state-of-the-art touchscreen avionics, and a Stability Augmentation System/autopilot. The aircraft is also available in police, news, and float configurations.
When asked about the R66, dealer Les Gillespie said, “Because the R66 can be configured to meet the needs of any pilot or helicopter flight department, it quickly became our number-one selling helicopter.”
The aircraft’s new owner, Donovan Valentine of Monarch Helicopters (Nashville, Tennessee) previously owned an R44 and decided to upgrade to an R66 to better serve his tour company.
The five-seat R66 Turbine helicopter has a two-blade rotor system, T-bar cyclic, streamlined instrument panels, energy absorbing seats and crashworthy bladder fuel tanks. It also has a spacious 300lb capacity baggage compartment.
The RR300 turbine operates on Jet A fuel and offers increased reserve power, additional payload and improved altitude performance over its avgas fuelled sister, the R44. Hydraulic controls eliminate feedback forces and provide responsive handling.
The R66 Turbine Marine is fitted with pop-out floats, offering an additional level of safety for over-water travel. Designed for emergencies, the six-chamber floats inflate within 2-3 seconds of activation. The installation adds approximately 65 pounds to the helicopter’s empty weight. When not in use, floats roll-up and stow in protective covers along the aircraft’s landing skids. The streamlined, low profile design minimises drag and allows for easy entry and exit of the cabin.
Specifications: R66 Turbine
Engine Rolls Royce RR300 Turbine, 300shp turboshaft; derated to 270shp for takeoff and 224shp continuous
Maximum Gross Weight 2700 lb (1225 kg)
Approximate Empty Weight (including oil & standard avionics) 1280 lb (581 kg)
Fuel Capacity (73.6 gal) 493 lb (224 kg)
Pilot, Passengers, and Baggage (with maximum fuel) 927 lb (420 kg)
Cruise Speed at Maximum Gross Weight up to 110 kt (204 km/h)
Maximum Range (no reserve) approximately 350 nm (650 km)
Hover Ceiling IGE at Maximum Gross Weight over 10,000 ft
Hover Ceiling OGE at Maximum Gross Weight over 10,000 ft
Rate of Climb over 1000 fpm
Maximum Operating Altitude 14,000 ft
Electrical System 28 volt