Robinson R66 - how the helicopter conquered the sky and the market

The civil helicopter market in Russia is poorly developed. You can find equipment of a domestic manufacturer, only these are models of the Mi-8/17 type, which, with all the desire, can hardly be called light. And the cost for private ownership and use is high even for rich people.


The only Russian-made model that could fully compete with foreign ones is the VRT500 from AEROTER. But it is not yet mass-produced, but only being tested.

You can also recall the Ansat and Ka-226T, but this technique can be called difficult, and it is large compared to the VRT500. The most popular light helicopters in Russia are the flying machines of the Robinson Helicopter Company from the USA. Today we will talk about the R66, the most affordable serial gas turbine model in the world.



The helicopter is universal - it is designed for 5 seats, has a separate compartment for luggage or cargo. The model was developed in the mid-2000s, but it has been mass-produced since 2011.

History

Robinson Helicopter Company has long been engaged in the production of low-cost piston light helicopters. Their most popular model in this class is the R44.

Since the business must constantly evolve, the management decided to develop a low-cost aircraft with a gas turbine engine. This is the very first model of this class for Robinson, it was supposed to pave the way for the company into the niche of more expensive, larger and more modern helicopters.

In order not to create a rotorcraft from scratch, it was decided to use the R44 base. To do this, the helicopter was minimally altered externally, equipping it with a gas turbine engine.



Robinson Helicopter Company took the matter seriously - in 2007 they already had two prototypes ready for testing. The model passed them successfully, after which there was certification in the USA. In 2010, she received all the necessary documents for a trouble-free sale and operation in America.

In 2011, serial production of the Robinson R66 began. The helicopter was so successful that it quickly overtook all competitors in the class combined. According to statistics for 2012, 191 Robinson R66 units were sold. Competitors during the same period sold only 40 single-turbine helicopters together.

The model range, in addition to purely civilian equipment, also included specialized versions for special services. For example, a four-seat police modification equipped with searchlights, loudspeakers and equipment.

Problems with European certification

One of the main goals of the Robinson Helicopter Company was to enter new markets. The manufacturer was especially interested in Europe, where their R44 piston helicopter had been successfully sold for a long time.

Only certification was not so easy to pass - it dragged on for almost two years. The official reason for the constant failures was the inconsistency of the model with safety parameters.

First, there were three air crashes involving the R66. The second reason is the presence of only one hydraulic system, without a “understudy”. At the same time, the "younger" R44 model has exactly the same drawback, which did not prevent it from being certified at the time.



There is an opinion that constant failures in Europe are the intrigues of competitors. They simply did not need an inexpensive gas turbine helicopter that would bring down sales of their equipment. A similar situation has already happened with the R44, which has become the most successful commercial model in the class.



Prior to this, the model was recognized in more than 50 countries around the world, including Russia. This decision finally made it possible to increase production and send helicopters to customers in Europe, who had been waiting for the event for several years.

Is this an improved version of the R44?

Among fans of helicopter flights, there is one belief that the gas turbine R66 is the same R44, only with a new engine. To deal with this issue, you first need to understand the principles of production and improvement of models of the "junior" price category.

Robinson's first popular helicopter was the R22, which debuted in 1979. The first model was positioned as universal and multi-purpose. Gradually, the rotorcraft "overgrown" with more advanced modifications - with improved performance.



Despite the honorable age, Robinson R22 is still being produced. This model is the most affordable in its class among competitors, so it is actively bought by those who need the most affordable helicopter. For example, in Australia, the Robinson R22 is used by wealthy herdsmen, who find it convenient to monitor huge herds from the air.



The next model, the Robinson R44, debuted in 1998. Built on the R22 chassis, this helicopter is seriously different from its predecessor in size, payload and technical characteristics. Naturally, this also affects the cost of the model - it is about 30% higher.



As for the engine, the Robinson R44 is equipped with a piston V6, versus the R4's V22. On sale there are both carburetor and injection modifications of helicopters.

The problem with the Robinson R66 is that it looks similar to the R44. If you understand the technical characteristics, then the "younger" models R44 and R22 have much more in common with each other. And comparing the gas turbine version with the piston one only because of the external similarity is wrong.

The manufacturer did not abandon the comfortable and time-tested R44 cab, simply increasing its living space. Despite the increased dimensions, the Robinson R66 is a much more modern helicopter.

Even if you do not take into account a different type of engine, it still has a low dry weight, which clearly hints at the use of new technologies and materials. The payload of the Robinson R66 is 145 kg higher - 580 against 435 kg for the R44.



The unification of controls and instruments was made in order to simplify the retraining of pilots. According to the manufacturer, two hours is enough for this.

Robinson R66 features

Externally, the helicopter is assembled according to the classical scheme with two-bladed main and tail rotors. This was done to simplify the design and, accordingly, reduce the cost of the model. The body of the Robinson R66 was lightened with composite materials, but where increased strength is needed, aluminum and steel alloys are used.



The Rolls-Royce RR300 gas turbine engine weighs less than the piston power unit of the R44. Due to this, it was possible to reduce the dry weight of the model, increasing its carrying capacity.

Although the fuel consumption of the Robinson R66 is higher than that of the R44 - 87 liters versus 57, the gas turbine engine runs on Jet-A brand aviation kerosene, and not on aviation gasoline. Such fuel is easier to get in Russia, Africa, Latin America. It turns out that the Robinson R66 model is suitable for flying in the most inaccessible corners of the globe.



The maximum speed of a gas turbine helicopter can reach 240 km/h. The fuel supply is enough to overcome 602 km without refueling.

The only serious disadvantage of the model is the cost. In Russia, a new helicopter is offered for about $1 with delivery from the USA. According to the current exchange rate, this is 150 rubles. At the same time, the Robinson R000 will be the most budget helicopter in its class. You can look for a used model - it is half the price.

Of course, only a few can buy a new Robinson R66. But they are in specialized flight schools. If you wish, you can not only fly a helicopter as a passenger, but learn how to fly it.