The Robinson R66 is an American six-seat light utility helicopter that was first introduced in 1977. It is a single engine, piston powered aircraft with a two bladed main rotor and tail rotor.

Manufacturer:
Robinson Helicopter
Country:
United States
Manufactured:
2011 to: Present
ICAO:
R66
Price:
US$0.78 million
Avionics:
Engine:
1x 1 X Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft
Turboshaft
Power:
270 horsepower
Max Cruise Speed:
113 knots
209 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref):
Travel range:
400 Nautical Miles
741 Kilometers
Fuel Economy:
6.67 nautical mile / gallon
3.263 kilometres / litre
Service Ceiling:
14,000 feet
Rate of Climb:
1000 feet / minute
5.08metre / second
Take Off Distance:
Landing Distance:
Max Take Off Weight:
1,361 Kg
3,000 lbs
Max Landing Weight:
Max Payload:
588 Kg
1,296 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:
74 gallon
279 litre
Baggage Volume:
0.5 m3 / 18 ft3
Seats - Economy / General:
5 seats
Seats - Business Class:
0
Seats - First Class:
0
Cabin Height:
1.31 metre - 4.30 feet
Cabin Width:
1.21 metre - 3.97 feet
Cabin Length:
Exterior Length:
12.57 metre - 41.24 feet
Tail height:
3.48 metre - 11.42 feet
Fuselage Diameter:
1.37 metre - 4.49 feet
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter:
10.06 metre - 33.00 feet
Wing Tips:
No Winglets

The current version of the R66 has been updated to include newer avionics equipment, which includes an autopilot system. A new electrical system including modernized wiring and circuit breakers have also been installed along with improved hydraulic systems for better reliability.

With these improvements, the Robinson R66 now offers more stable flight characteristics and increased payload capacity than previous models. This makes it popular among pilots who are looking for a reliable machine that can be used for various purposes such as aerial work or training exercises.

The aircraft was first produced in 1981 and since then has been used for various applications such as aerial photography, law enforcement, search and rescue, and air taxi service.

Because of its popularity among pilots and operators alike, it’s considered one of the most successful helicopters ever made.

The Robinson R66 has many uses but most notably it serves as an excellent training aircraft for pilots transitioning to turbine helicopters or for those wanting to learn how to fly helicopters at all. This makes it ideal for flight schools because of its cost efficiency and ease of use when compared to other more expensive models like the Bell 407 that take longer to become proficient on due time wise.

The Robinson R66 is available with either an open or closed cockpit configuration, which features a bubble canopy.

It measures 47 feet long with a rotor diameter of 49 ft 3 inches, which makes it highly maneuverable at low speeds while still being capable to lift up to 627 lbs (in addition to the weight of the pilot).

The R66 is powered by one Allison 250-C18A engine, which produces 266 horsepower.

Want More of This?
We'll send you our latest and best content straight to your inbox
Featured Image

All Robinson Helicopter Aircraft

More Like This
Kazan Aktai
Light Helicopters
Kazan Aktai
Enstrom 280FX Shark
Light Helicopters
Enstrom 280FX Shark
Enstrom 480B
Light Helicopters
Enstrom 480B
Enstrom F28F
Light Helicopters
Enstrom F28F
PZL Swidnik SW-4
Light Helicopters
PZL Swidnik SW-4
Kamov Ka-115
Light Helicopters
Kamov Ka-115