Robinson Helicopters Unveils R88, Its Largest Single-Engine Helicopter Yet

DALLAS, March 10, 2025 — Robinson Helicopters has officially launched the R88, its largest single-engine helicopter, during a presentation at the Vertical Aviation International Verticon convention. This marks the company’s first major product launch since the R66 helicopter was unveiled in 2007.

The R88 is designed to fill a significant niche in the utility rotorcraft market, catering to multiple missions, including aerial firefighting, air medical transport, and passenger transport. It features a reconfigurable cabin that can accommodate up to ten occupants: eight passengers and two pilots.

Equipped with a 1,000-shp Safran Arriel 2W turboshaft engine, the R88 boasts an internal payload capacity of more than 2,800 pounds and a range exceeding 350 nautical miles. Its large cabin spans 275 cubic feet, enabling various seating arrangements accessible through sliding side doors and a rear cargo door.

Company president and CEO David Smith characterized the R88 as ‘a bold expansion of our product portfolio,’ stating, ‘It’s designed to meet the diverse and evolving operating needs we see globally.’ Smith emphasized the helicopter’s affordability, predictability, and maintenance ease, aiming to provide ‘superior performance for an affordable price.’

The design of the R88 underwent considerable evolution over the past two years, growing larger than initially intended, according to Smith. ‘Our team’s understanding of the available performance and our architecture allowed us to say, ‘no, we can do more,’’ he added.

Robinson is positioning the R88 to compete with larger twin-engine helicopters, with Smith asserting that its economics will challenge assumptions that twin-engine models are inherently safer. ‘The data supports that singles are safer than twins,’ he remarked, highlighting the success of single-engine aircraft in emergency medical services across the U.S.

The R88 showcases advanced avionics, including a Garmin G500H suite and a four-axis autopilot, which Smith noted will enhance safety and simplify operation. The addition of dual cyclic controls represents a significant departure from the traditional Robinson design, optimizing operation within the helicopter’s larger dimensions.

While performance metrics such as maximum takeoff weight are yet to be finalized, Smith indicated that it would comfortably fit within the single-engine class, suggesting it could fall within the 5,500-6,500-pound range. The decision to create a single-engine rather than a twin-engine model was based on market demand and operational costs.

Robinson will begin accepting deposits for the R88 on March 11, 2025, with initial flight testing anticipated to commence in early 2026. Certification for the aircraft is expected to take roughly three years, with plans for production scalability already in preparation.

Smith concluded by expressing confidence in the R88’s potential: ‘We expect to disrupt the single-engine helicopter market, offering superior performance and capabilities at a competitive price.’ The unveiling at Verticon has left many in the industry excited about the aircraft’s promise and functionality.