Light Turbine R66 Outsells Smaller Piston R44 in Surprise Upset

2021 was a very good year to Robinson Helicopter, which saw a significant boost in aircraft sales. As the smoke clears and the industry moves into February, Robinson notes more than 450 confirmed orders, the highest the company has seen since 2011. 

The classic light helicopter manufacturer said that for the first time, its newer, R66 passed up Robinson’s long standing top seller, the R44 Raven II. The R66 debuted in 2007 as the marque's first light turbine helicopter, boasting greater capability as a utility and service aircraft for users around the world. In 2021, the company delivered its 13,000th helicopter, a tricked-out R44 in an eye-catching fire engine red. 

“We are pleased to see stronger sales particularly with the R66 which has clearly proven itself as a market leader,” said company president Kurt Robinson. He reminded fans of the brand that the strong sales obscured the difficulty experienced in securing adequate supply for production. “Although overall production for 2021 was better than 2020, we fell short of our target. Our number one focus for 2022 is to put the pandemic behind us and to increase aircraft production and deliveries."  

The industry appears to be on an upswing overall, as the strengthened business aviation sector waxes amid troublesome pandemic precautions that push travelers to smaller, more intimate travel options. 

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com