Robinson Unveils the R88, Its Largest-ever Helicopter | Aviation International News

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Robinson Unveils the R88, Its Largest-ever Helicopter

Clean-sheet design offers twin-engine performance in a single-engine aircraft

Robinson R88 reveal — Robinson R88 reveal. © Mariano Rosales/AIN

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

March 10, 2025

In a departure from its light-helicopter roots, Robinson Helicopter has introduced the next helicopter in its product line: the 10-place single-engine turbine R88, a clean-sheet design with a new type certificate. First flight could come as early as this year, with certification and service entry to follow later this decade. The company is already booking orders for the $3.3 million R88.

With a 275-cu-ft cabin capable of carrying up to eight passengers or 1,800 pounds of payload with full fuel, R88 missions will include aerial firefighting, air medical transport, utility work, and passenger transport. The cabin will be reconfigurable for various mission types.

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