Versatility in the Air
In the first three quarters of 2021, Robinson Helicopter sold 61 R66s, bringing sales to over 1000 machines. In Australia there are 35 R66s, with 70% operated privately, and the remainder working commercially.
Certified in 2010 as the biggest sibling in a lookalike family, the R66 is a five-seat, four-door, twin-rotor, Rolls Royce turbine powered light helicopter with a gross weight of 1225 kg.
Empty weight is 585 kg, giving a useful load of 640 kg. It cruises at 110 kt and can climb at over 1000 fpm. The maximum operating altitude is 14,000 feet, and range is 350 nm without reserves, thanks to a 279-litre fuel tank. An optional auxiliary tank installed in the baggage compartment will hold a further 163 litres, making the R66 a five-hour plus reserves helicopter. Yes, there is still good room remaining for luggage.
Fuel burn at cruise is 88 lph and the TBO on the engine is 2000 hours. It has passed the million-operating-hour mark without a single reported in-flight engine failure.
The R66 has hydraulic controls, a shared T-bar cyclic, which makes egress easy and can simply be rested on the pilot’s knee, energy absorbing seats and crashworthy fuel tanks.
The R66 has options including, pop-out floats, cargo hook, impact
