DALLAS—Robinson Helicopter Company revealed its new R88 helicopter during the Vertical Aviation International Verticon convention on March 9, 2025. This launch marks the company's first introduction of all-new aircraft design since the R66 turbine, which debuted back in 2007. The R88 is poised to become the utility sector’s new "pickup truck," as stated by CEO David Smith, catering to various mission requirements such as aerial firefighting, air medical transport, and passenger transport.
At the core of its design, the R88 promises considerable improvements and growth compared to previous models. Operating on the strength of its single-engine configuration powered by the 1,000-shp Safran Arriel 2W turboshaft engine, the helicopter is engineered for efficiency with planned internal payload exceeding 2,800 pounds and boasting over 350 nautical miles of range. It emphasizes ease-of-use and operational affordability to combat competition from larger twin-engine craft.
“I think utility is such a huge array of missions: lifting, carrying people, deploying equipment, materials, all those kinds of things,” noted Smith during the launch. This versatility is clearly evident with the R88’s spacious 275 cubic-foot cabin reconfigured for different applications based on mission needs. The aircraft can carry up to eight passengers plus two crew members.
Pricing for the R88 launches at $3.3 million, and it is expected to significantly disrupt the market by providing more capacity at lower costs, addressed by Smith’s assurance of not sacrificing quality or service. “The most capable, affordable and easiest to maintain workhorse in its class and perhaps the next class beyond will be the R88,” he declared, indicating its anticipated impact within the industry.
The cockpit is equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin avionics technology, featuring G500H TXi displays with touchscreen navigation systems and includes advanced safety features like dual hydraulics for pitch and roll controls, increasing overall flight safety. Smith also highlighted the intention for optional certification under single-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR), “We’re the first to go and certify single-engine IFR [on an all-new rotorcraft] in 20 or 30 years,” reinforcing confidence among prospective operators.
The R88 has undergone extensive developmental effort over the last two years as the team at Robinson has listened to customer feedback about what they want from future helicopter offerings. Feedback indicated substantial demand for simpler, cost-effective helicopters with minimized operational complexity. The emphasis on conventional, durable materials promises reduced downtime for maintenance and repairs, which is particularly advantageous for operational settings where reliability is key. “Customers don’t want to deal with multiple tiers of suppliers,” said Smith, reinforcing Robinson's commitment to vertical integration.
With operational costs taken seriously, Smith pointed out the economic viability of the R88: “The data does not support this thesis... Singles are safer than twins. The data shows it,” referring to existing studies showing single-engine aircraft outperforming their twin counterparts making them easier to operate and more economical.
Potential operators should expect the initial flight testing for the R88 to begin by the end of 2025 or early 2026, leading to anticipated certification by 2028-2029. Smith expressed his eagerness to meet this timeline, noting, “We are targeting first flight by the end of this decade, and we expect to begin deliveries shortly thereafter.” Increased production is already being planned as the company readies for the R88, which aims to follow the same successful production methodology seen with the R22, R44, and R66 models already manufactured at their Torrance, California facility.
The R88’s design features include dual cyclic controls, greatly enhancing flight experience and control for pilots, thereby moving away from the traditional center cyclic configuration seen across other Robinson models. “We couldn’t get the teetering cyclic to work — it’s too large of movement,” stated Smith. “So we ended up with dual cyclics, which people will see as conventional.”
This new model's diverse operational potential presents competition for several existing helicopter types; the aim of becoming the light single-engine helicopter of choice stands at the forefront of Robinson's plans. “We feel like there's an opportunity here to offer much more payload, much more economics for when you need lots of seats, you've got them,” said Smith referring to the R88's manoeuvrability to adapt to business and commercial needs.
Overall, the R88’s innovative design, reliance on advanced technology, and customer-driven features indicate Robinson Helicopter’s intent to redefine utility aviation within the sector, all underlined by their promise of affordability without compromising operational performance. The emphasis on delivering immediate, reliable solutions confirms the model as one to watch closely as industry response grows through the year's end.
With the order book set to open on March 11, 2025, Robinson anticipates high demand as they usher this significant addition to their lineup, meeting longstanding requests from their dedicated customer base eager for the next generation of utility helicopters.