Robinson Helicopter and Rolls-Royce are making progress with their partnership on the Robinson R66. Rolls-Royce expects certification of the new engine, the RR300, early next year. There is an outside chance that the helicopter could be certified next year as well. Scott Crislip, president of helicopters for Rolls-Royce, said the company anticipates FAA certification of its new 300-shp turboshaft next month, with full-rate production to follow immediately. He said that production of the engine next year would be in the “hundreds,” with Robinson the lead customer.
Robinson plans to use the engine to power the R66, a five-seat turbine helicopter it announced this year. Company founder and CEO Frank Robinson said that the helicopter would have a luggage compartment large enough for golf clubs, and would share many of the same design and control features of the piston-powered four-seat R44, including a T-bar cyclic, two-blade main rotor and open cabin configuration.
More In Rotorcraft
