Fri, Oct 29, 2010
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.
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