Amended Production Certificate Delivered The Same Day

Three years and eight months after Robinson Helicopter publicly announced plans to develop a five-place turbine helicopter, the FAA presented Frank Robinson with Type Certificate No. R00015LA for the much-anticipated R66 on Monday. The FAA also presented Robinson with an amended Production Certificate that now includes the R66, allowing Robinson to begin deliveries.

Photo Courtesy Robinson Helicopter

Preliminary design of the R66 began in 2001 but engineering began in earnest in 2005 when Robinson reached an agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop the RR300 turbine engine. Frank Robinson had considered other power plant options, but ultimately collaborated with Rolls-Royce on the RR300, a derivative of the Rolls-Royce model 250 series. The concept of the R66 is the same that launched the R22 in 1979 and the R44 in 1992: a helicopter designed to perform as well or better than its competitors but for a lot less money. The R66 is certified to the current amendment of the federal regulations, including the latest crashworthiness standards. Pete Riedl, Robinson’s Chief Engineer, stated, “Because we were not working to a hard deadline, we had the opportunity to refine and optimize the design. The performance of the aircraft, so far, has met or exceeded all of our expectations.”

Photo Courtesy Robinson Helicopter

Rolls-Royce President – Helicopter Engines Ken Roberts, said “Rolls-Royce is pleased to congratulate Robinson on certification of the R66. Robinson Helicopter is known for their quality products and has taken great care in creating the R66 model. We’re proud to be working with Robinson and supplying power for this new aircraft.”

R66 First Delivery Photo Courtesy Robinson Helicopter

Dealer and maintenance support is growing with nearly sixty R66 dealers approved. Robinson is continually reviewing applications and expects to have world-wide support in place by the end of the year. With a growing back log of orders, production is underway and deliveries are scheduled to begin in November 2010.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com