Robinson’s Latest R88 Helicopter to Use Safran’s Arriel 2W
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Robinson Helicopter Company has announced the selection of Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arriel 2W engine to power its latest model, the R88 helicopter. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining Robinson’s expertise in lightweight helicopters with Safran’s proven engine technology.
The introduction of the R88 helicopter expands Robinson’s product lineup, promising a blend of advanced capabilities and operational versatility. With Safran’s Arriel 2W engine at its core, the R88 is set to meet the growing demands of commercial, private, and governmental operators worldwide.
A new benchmark in helicopter propulsion
Safran’s Arriel 2W engine is designed to deliver high performance and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for the R88. The engine belongs to the renowned Arriel family, which has accumulated over 60 million flight hours and is widely recognized for its durability and reliability. With a power output exceeding 1,000 shaft horsepower, the Arriel 2W provides robust propulsion, enabling the R88 to handle a wide range of missions, from aerial work to emergency response operations.
Key features of the Arriel 2W engine include:
Size & Capacity: Robinson’s largest helicopter, seating 10, with 1,800-pound payload and 275 cubic feet of cabin space.
Performance: Over 350 nautical miles range, 3.5+ hours endurance, and powered by a 1,000-shaft horsepower Safran Arriel 2W engine.
Interior: Flat-floor cabin allows multiple seating and mission configurations. Fold-down rear door enables easy cargo loading and HEMS stretcher use.
Exterior: Available with standard or high skids. Optional equipment includes a 3,000-pound cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike kit, and pop-out floats.
Avionics: Garmin suite with G500H TXi touchscreen displays, GTN navigators, four-axis autopilot, HUMS, and crew alerting system.
Safety: Dual hydraulics, impact-resistant windshields, inlet barrier filter, and advanced LED lighting for visibility and protection.
Design: Dual cyclic controls, single-pilot IFR capability, and a flexible, easy-to-maintain interior layout.
Robinson Helicopter has developed the R88 as an all-new type-certified aircraft, undergoing rigorous engineering and testing. The company will begin accepting deposits from Authorized Robinson Helicopter Dealers on March 11, 2025, at Verticon.
The R88 is priced at $3.3 million in its well-equipped standard configuration.
Strengthening Robinson’s market presence
Robinson Helicopter Company has long been a dominant player in the light helicopter market, known for producing reliable and cost-effective rotorcraft. The addition of the R88 helicopter, equipped with Safran’s Arriel 2W engine, further cements Robinson’s reputation for innovation and excellence.
The R88 is expected to appeal to a broad range of operators, from private owners seeking high performance to commercial operators requiring a dependable and efficient platform. The combination of Robinson’s lightweight airframe design and Safran’s proven engine technology ensures that the R88 will be well-positioned to compete in both domestic and international markets.
The R88’s versatility makes it suitable for multiple applications, including law enforcement, medical evacuation, aerial surveying, and corporate transportation. Its advanced avionics, coupled with the power of the Arriel 2W engine, provide pilots with enhanced control, safety, and operational flexibility.
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