Robinson R66
{{Short description|Turbine-powered helicopter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2022}}
| {{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = R66 | image = File:Robinson R66 G-CIZG.jpg | caption = }}{{Infobox aircraft type | type = Light utility and trainer helicopter | manufacturer = Robinson Helicopter Company | designer = Frank D. Robinson | first flight = 7 November 2007{{cite web|last1=Chase|first1=Mike|title=Aircraft Comparative Analysis—Robinson R66|url=https://www.avbuyer.com/articles/business-aviation-comparative-analysis/aircraft-comparative-analysis-robinson-r66-21219|website=AvBuyer|accessdate=8 June 2017|date=1 February 2014}} | introduced = 2010 (FAA certification) | retired = | status = | primary user = | more users = | produced = 2007–present | developed from = Robinson R44 | variants with their own articles = }} |
The Robinson R66 is a helicopter designed and built by Robinson Helicopter Company. It has five seats, a separate cargo compartment and is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine. The R66 is slightly faster and smoother than the piston-powered Robinson R44 from which it is derived. The R66 received both type and production certificates from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 25, 2010.{{cite news|last1=Thurber|first1=Matt|title=R66 Receives Simultaneous FAA Type, Production OK|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2010-10-26/r66-receives-simultaneous-faa-type-production-ok|accessdate=27 October 2010|work=AINonline|publisher=AIN Publications|date=26 October 2010}}
Development
File:Robinson R66 Cockpit 2011.jpg
Announced in 2007, the R66 was designed to be the company's first turbine-powered product and to extend its product range to compete with larger helicopters manufactured by Bell Helicopter and Eurocopter. Most of the R66 design is based on the earlier piston-engine R44.
Robinson began taking orders for the R66 in February, 2010, and went into preliminary production in the same year, followed by full production in 2011.{{cite news|last1=Goyer|first1=Robert|title=R66 Robinson Approaches|url=http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/helicopters/r66-robinson-approaches|accessdate=28 May 2009|work=Flying|date=7 June 2009|archive-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722224244/https://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/helicopters/r66-robinson-approaches/|url-status=dead}} A four-seat police version of the R66 has entered production with a forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera system, searchlight, and external public address (PA) system as standard equipment.{{cite magazine|date=15 February 2013|title=FAA Certifies R66 Police Helicopter|url=https://robinsonheli.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2013_winter.pdf|magazine=Robinson News|publisher=Robinson Helicopter Company|volume=19|issue=1|page=3|accessdate=13 April 2013|archive-date=July 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718153801/https://robinsonheli.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2013_winter.pdf|url-status=dead}}
In 2012, Robinson delivered 191 R66s, while Robinson's competitors in the light single turbine sector delivered only 40 units between them. About 70 percent of the R66 production is exported.{{cite news|last1=Huber|first1=Mark|last2=Dubois|first2=Thierry|title=Bell Reveals more on 'short light single'|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-08-03/bell-reveals-more-short-light-single|accessdate=11 December 2013|work=AINonline|publisher=AIN Publications|date=3 August 2013|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802010905/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-08-03/bell-reveals-more-short-light-single|url-status=dead}} In 2014, the production rate slowed to about two R66s per week{{cite news|last1=Parkin|first1=Jeremy|title=R66 production slows, pushing lead time to six months|url=http://helihub.com/2014/07/30/r66-production-slows-pushing-lead-time-to-six-months/|accessdate=4 August 2014|publisher=HeliHub|date=30 July 2014}} for a total of 101 for the year.{{cite journal|url=https://gama.aero/wp-content/uploads/2016-GAMA-Databook_forWeb.pdf|title=2016 General Aviation Statistical Databook & 2017 Industry Outlook|publisher=General Aviation Manufacturers Association|date=2017|page=17|accessdate=8 June 2017}} In 2015, Robinson produced three R66s per week. Robinson entered into a contract with Rolls-Royce to supply 100 RR300 turbines per year for 10 years.{{cite news|last1=Huber|first1=Mark|title=Robinson Boosts Production as Sales Surge, Strikes Deal for 1,000 Rolls-Royce Turboshafts|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2015-03-03/robinson-boosts-production-sales-surge-strikes-deal-1000-rolls-royce-turboshafts|accessdate=5 March 2015|work=AINonline|publisher=AIN Publications|date=3 March 2015}}
Russia certified the R66 in March 2013,{{cite news|last1=Drwiega|first1=Andrew|title=Russia Certifies Robinson R66|url=http://www.rotorandwing.com/2013/03/28/russia-certifies-robinson-r66/|accessdate=8 June 2014|publisher=Rotor & Wing|date=28 March 2013|archive-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608134451/http://www.rotorandwing.com/2013/03/28/russia-certifies-robinson-r66/|url-status=dead}} while Canada certified it in June 2013.{{cite news|title=Robinson Scores R66 Type Certificate from Transport Canada|url=http://www.rotorandwing.com/2013/06/03/robinson-scores-r66-type-certificate-from-transport-canada/|accessdate=8 June 2014|publisher=Rotor & Wing|date=3 June 2013|archive-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608134912/http://www.rotorandwing.com/2013/06/03/robinson-scores-r66-type-certificate-from-transport-canada/|url-status=dead}} European EASA and Chinese CAAC certifications were granted in the second quarter of 2014.{{cite report|date=11 December 2015|title=Type Certificate Data Sheet|url=http://www.easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/TCDS_EASA_IM_R507_RHC_R66_Issue_02.pdf|publisher=EASA|page=3|docket=EASA.IM.R.507|accessdate=8 June 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606024526/https://www.easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/TCDS_EASA_IM_R507_RHC_R66_Issue_02.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Head|first1=Elan|title=Robinson R66 receives EASA certification|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/press-releases/robinsonr66receiveseasacertification/|accessdate=8 May 2014|work=Vertical|publisher=MHM Publishing|date=5 May 2014}}{{cite news|title=China certifies Robinson R66|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/press-releases/chinacertifiesrobinsonr66/|accessdate=8 May 2014|work=Vertical|agency=Robinson Helicopter Company|publisher=MHM Publishing|date=8 May 2014}}
The R66 Turbine Marine with pop-out floats was FAA certified in November 2014. A journalist pilot described ground landing with them as "better than the standard R66". Retrofit floats are not available for the standard R66.{{cite news|last1=Maher|first1=Guy R.|title=Robinson unveils R66 Turbine Marine|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/news/robinsonunveilsr66turbinemarine/|accessdate=5 December 2014|work=Vertical|publisher=MHM Publishing|date=4 December 2014}}
A cargo hook was approved in the EU and the United States in 2015.{{cite news|title=DART R66 cargo hook now FAA and EASA approved|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/press-releases/dartr66cargohooknowfaaandeasaapproved/|accessdate=27 March 2015|work=Vertical|agency=DART Aerospace|publisher=MHM Publishing|date=26 March 2015}}
In December 2015 Robinson announced it had sold 700 R66s.{{cite press release|author=|title=Robinson to Deliver 700th R66 Helicopter|url=https://robinsonheli.com/news/robinson-to-deliver-700th-r66-helicopter/|location=Torrance, CA|publisher=Robinson Helicopter Company|date=18 December 2015|accessdate=21 December 2015|archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122222727/https://robinsonheli.com/news/robinson-to-deliver-700th-r66-helicopter/|url-status=dead}}
On July 13, 2017, Robinson announced certification of the R66 Turbine Newscopter (R66 ENG).{{Cite web|url=https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/faa-certifies-robinson-r66-turbine-newscopter/|title=FAA Certifies Robinson R66 Turbine Newscopter.|website=robinsonheli.com|date=July 27, 2017|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-23|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622035854/https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/faa-certifies-robinson-r66-turbine-newscopter/|url-status=dead}}
On 25 January 2017 Robinson announced that it had delivered its 12,000th aircraft, an R66 to a charter and tour operator, Fly Karoo Air Services.{{Cite web|url=https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/robinson-delivers-12000th-helicopter/|title=Robinson Helicopter Company Delivers 12,000th Helicopter - Robinson Helicopter Company|website=robinsonheli.com|date=January 25, 2017|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-23|archive-date=January 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126085104/https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/robinson-delivers-12000th-helicopter/|url-status=dead}}
On 17 July 2017, Robinson introduced the TB17 lithium-ion phosphate battery as optional equipment. The battery weighs {{cvt|16|lb}}, which is lighter than the previous {{cvt|42|lb}} standard and {{cvt|52|lb}} high capacity batteries.{{Cite web|url=https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/tb17-lithium-battery-for-robinson-r66/https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/tb17-lithium-battery-for-robinson-r66/|title=Lithium-ion Battery Now Available for Robinso R66|website=robinsonheli.com|date=July 17, 2017|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-23|archive-date=September 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915173307/https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/tb17-lithium-battery-for-robinson-r66/|url-status=dead}}
The company delivered the 1,000th R66 in August 2020.{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/robinson-delivers-1000th-r66/|title= Robinson Delivers 1000th R66|access-date= 12 August 2020|last= Cook|first= Marc |work= AVweb|date= 11 August 2020|archive-url= https://archive.today/20200812134000/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/robinson-delivers-1000th-r66/|archive-date= 12 August 2020|url-status= live}} As of early 2024, this had increased to 1500.{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Sean |date=2024-03-20 |title=The Nuts & Bolts Planning of Your Upcoming Robinson R66 Helicopter Overhaul |url=https://rotorcorp.com/2024/03/20/the-nuts-bolts-planning-of-your-upcoming-robinson-r66-helicopter-overhaul/?srsltid=AfmBOor0qpl1C4jQ1GldEwAAU6n2wsqV3bp58hwkp1oepB7GHJ_CksTx |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Rotorcorp |language=en-US}}
Design
The R66 is a single-engined helicopter with two-bladed main and tail rotors, and a fixed skid landing gear. The R66 is constructed from advanced composites, aluminum alloy (sheet), and chromoly steel. Like the R44, the R66 has both electromechanical instruments and optional digital glass cockpit.{{cite news|last1=Maher|first1=Guy R.|title=Staying the course|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/news/stayingthecourse/|accessdate=3 May 2014|work=Vertical|publisher=MHM Publishing|date=10 March 2014}}
The R66 is the first Robinson helicopter with a cargo hold; the hold carries up to {{convert|300|lb|kg}}.{{cite news|last1=Larson|first1=George C.|title=Robinson: Ready for the Rebound|url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/robinson-ready-rebound|accessdate=6 March 2011|work=Aviation Week|date=1 March 2011|url-access=subscription }}
The RR300 engine is more compact and lighter than the Lycoming O-540 six-cylinder piston engine that powers the R44—the R66 has a lower empty weight than the R44. The RR300 has a simplified single-stage centrifugal compressor which makes it less expensive and is expected to result in lower maintenance costs.{{cite news|title=Aero-TV Checks Out The Robinson R66: Turbine Power, Familiar Face|url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=4872f392-b74d-49a4-b9a1-771a95cd8cf8|accessdate=28 May 2009|work=Aero-TV|publisher=Aero-News Network|date=9 March 2009}}
Depending on operational conditions, the turbine burns Jet-A fuel at a rate of {{convert|23|USgal|L}} per hour, compared to {{convert|15|USgal|L}} of avgas per hour for the O-540.
At Heli Expo 2018, Robinson introduced a cargo hook as an optional equipment. This modification increases the aircraft's maximum gross weight from {{cvt|2700 to 2900|lb}}.{{Cite web|url=https://robinsonheli.com/press-releases/r66-turbine-cargo-hook/|title=wR66 Turbine Optional Cargo Hook Carries Loads up to 1200 lb|website=robinsonheli.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-23}} It is currently available in two variants.
Robinson redesigned the tail in the 2020s to utilize a symmetrical horizontal stabilizer to reduce the danger of mast bumping accidents, such as during low-G conditions maneuvers. This type of maneuver is more dangerous in a two bladed helicopter, and is warned against, however incidents have led to further investigation and improvements.{{Cite web |title=Robinson reveals redesigned empennage for R66 Turbine helicopter |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/robinson-reveals-redesigned-empennage-for-r66-turbine-helicopter/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}} The FAA approved the new empennage, to improve roll stability when the helicopter is in flight at high speed.{{Cite web |last=Godlewski |first=Meg |date=2023-09-07 |title=FAA Approves Robinson R66 Empennage Configuration |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-approves-r66-empennage-configuration/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=FLYING Magazine |language=en-US}}
Ground handling
File:Robbie Tug Tow Cart R66.jpg
R66’s are equipped with wheel mounts toward the rear of the skids, one on each side, for attachment of removable wheels. The wheels must be removed prior to flight. These brackets are slightly behind the helicopter center of gravity so when the wheels are installed, the helicopter sits nose low. The wheel assembly has a pivot pin which is inserted into the skid-mounted bracket and then rotated over center to lift the rear of the skids about 2 inches leaving the front of the skids on the ground. The helicopter can be moved by pulling down on the tail to lift the front of the skids off the ground. Because of the size and weight of the R66 and the height of the tail from the ground, as compared to the R22, it is extremely difficult if not impossible for a single person to move the helicopter this way. Another person can help by pushing on the rear of the engine compartment.
R66’s with fixed floats or deployed pop-out emergency floats must have wheels installed under the skids as the bracket is not accessible.
All models and years of the R66 include a ¾” diameter tow ball mounted on the bottom of the fuselage, near the front and offset slightly to the left. A tow cart or tug can be engaged with the ball and then used to lift the front of the helicopter to clear the skids from the ground after the wheels are installed and rotated to lift the rear of the skids. This makes it possible for a single person to move the helicopter, even over significant distances or not-level surfaces.
Tow carts are available with a variety of features. There exist manual versions which place the ball mating device behind the wheels so the operator engages the ball then pushes down on the handle to lift the nose. Others provide a repurposed car-style hydraulic jack or an electric jack to lift the nose.
Tow carts are available with no motive power, a gas engine or one or two electric motors operated from one or two batteries. Some of the non-powered tow carts are set up to be towed such as behind a golf cart or quad cycle. One manufacturer offered a modified pallet jack.
The other option for ground handling is a landing platform which is large enough for the helicopter to safely land on, has wheels underneath and can be towed between the hanger and take-off location. These are heavy and must be towed with a vehicle. Platforms are commonly used with R66’s.
Variants
;TH-66 Sage
:Military trainer variant of the R66 for the United States Army.{{Cite web |title=Crew Training International and Helicopter Institute awarded U.S. Army FAA Part 141 Helicopter Flight School Pilot Program |url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/crew-training-international-and-helicopter-institute-awarded-u-s-army-faa-part-141-helicopter-flight-school-pilot-program/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}
Operators
File:Robinson R66 N66MV in 2011.jpg
File:Robinson R66 en Savoie.jpg
File:VH-FCQ Robinson R66 Turbine (6485984149).jpg
The aircraft is operated by law enforcement, companies and private individuals.
;{{INA}}
- National Disaster Management Authority{{Cite web|date=16 July 2020|url=https://sukabumiupdate.com/detail/sukabumi/peristiwa/72610-Helikopter-BNPB-Mendarat-di-Lapang-Sindangsari-Sukabumi-BPBD-Kunjungan-Asintel-KASAD|title=Helikopter BNPB Mendarat di Lapang Sindangsari Sukabumi, BPBD: Kunjungan Asintel KASAD|access-date=11 December 2020|website=sukabumiupdate.com|language=id}}{{Cite web|date=7 September 2019|title=Dialah Yang Selama Ini Terbang Mengitari Mega Dan Bumi Kalsel|url=https://koranbanjar.net/dialah-yang-selama-ini-terbang-mengitari-mega-dan-bumi-kalsel/|access-date=11 December 2020|website=koranbanjar.net|language=id}}
;{{NGR}}
- Nigerian Air Force{{cite news|last1=Mornington-Sanford|first1=Richard|title=Nigerian Air Force take delivery of their first two Robinson R66 (Turbine) helicopters|url=http://www.morningtonsanfordaviation.com/articles/first-r66s-for-nigeria.html|accessdate=14 April 2013|publisher=Mornington Sanford Aviation|date=December 2012|archive-date=April 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425092326/http://www.morningtonsanfordaviation.com/articles/first-r66s-for-nigeria.html|url-status=dead}}
Specifications
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Manufacturer{{cite web|title=R66 Turbine & R66 Turbine Marine|url=https://robinsonheli.com/r66-specifications/|publisher=Robinson Helicopter Company|accessdate=8 June 2017|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423232443/https://robinsonheli.com/r66-specifications/|url-status=dead}}{{cite book|title=R66 Pilot's Operating Handbook|date=25 October 2010|publisher=Robinson Helicopter Company|url=https://robinsonheli.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/r66_poh_full_book.pdf|accessdate=8 June 2017}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
|prime units?=kts
|crew=1
|capacity=4 passengers or {{convert|1200|lb|kg|abbr=on}} external load
|length ft=29
|length in=6
|width ft=4
|width in=10
|height ft=11
|height in=5
|empty weight lb=1290
|gross weight lb=2700
|fuel capacity={{convert|73.6|gal|L}}
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=Rolls-Royce RR300
|eng1 type=turboshaft
|eng1 shp=224
|eng1 note=continuous, {{convert|270|shp|kW|abbr=on}} takeoff (5 minutes)
|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=33
|more power=*Tail rotor Diameter: {{convert|5|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}
|cruise speed kts=110
|never exceed speed kts=140
|range nmi=350
|endurance=
|ceiling ft=14000
|climb rate ftmin=1000
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|power/mass=
|more performance=*Fuel consumption: {{convert|23|USgal|L}} per hour
|avionics=
}}
See also
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=
|similar aircraft=
|lists=
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References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20101225090631/http://www.robinsonheli.com/rhc_r66_turbine.html Robinson Helicopter Company]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20140309201557/http://www.verticalmag.com/digital_issue/2014/shownews/files/1.html Fabrication area], page 32-35
- {{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/robinson-r66-passion-performance-and-price |title= Robinson R66: Passion, Performance And Price |date= Jun 25, 2019 |author= Lou Churchville |work= Business & Commercial Aviation}}
{{Robinson aircraft}}
{{US helicopters}}
Category:2000s United States helicopters
Category:2000s United States civil utility aircraft