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| Role | Light utility and trainer helicopter |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Company |
| Designer | Frank D. Robinson |
| First flight | 7 November 2007 |
| Introduction | 2010 (FAA certification) |
| Status | In production |
| Produced | 2007–present |
| Number built | 1,000 as of August 2020 |
| Developed from | Robinson R44 |
The five-seat R66 TURBINE and R66 TURBINE MARINE helicopters are reliable, economical and easy to maintain. R66s have a two-bladed rotor system, T-bar cyclic, hydraulically boosted controls that eliminate cyclic and collective feedback forces, and streamlined instrument panels. The R66’s spacious 300 lb capacity baggage compartment along with the powerful Rolls Royce RR300 turbine engine give operators greater utility.
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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.
The R66 is the first Robinson helicopter with a cargo hold; the hold carries up to 300 pounds (140 kg).
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.
The turbine burns Jet-A fuel at a rate of 23 US gallons (87 L) per hour, compared to 15 US gallons (57 L) of avgas per hour for the O-540.
Ceiling
MAX RANGE
Aircraft Speed
Max Crew
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
R66’s are equipped with wheel mounts toward the rear of the skids, one on each side, for attachment of removable wheels.
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
Russia certified the R66 in March 2013,[10] while Canada certified it in June 2013.[11] European EASA and Chinese CAAC certifications were granted in the second quarter of 2014
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