Robinson Unveils R88 - Its Largest Ever Helicopter, and More
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Robinson Expands Portfolio with Utility-Focused R88 Helicopter
Robinson Helicopter Company has unveiled the R88, its largest and most capable rotorcraft to date. The company will start taking deposits on March 11 at Verticon 2025 in Dallas.
The new $3.3 million single-engine turbine helicopter marks Robinson's first all-new design in nearly 15 years and represents a significant expansion beyond the company's traditional light helicopter market.
Designed with a highly configurable cabin and powered by a 1,000-shp Safran Arriel 2W turboshaft, the R88 aims to deliver superior capabilities at a competitive price point compared to larger single and twin-engine competitors.
Key Points
- Accommodates up to 10 people (8 passengers plus 2 crew) with a substantial 275-cubic-foot cabin
- Offers 2,800+ pound internal payload capacity with 350+ nautical mile range and 3.5+ hour endurance
- Equipped with Garmin avionics suite including G500H TXi displays and four-axis autopilot
- Targeting multiple markets, including air medical, utility work, aerial firefighting, and passenger transport
- First flight expected in early 2026 with certification and service entry projected by decade's end
What It Means
The R88 represents Robinson's strategic move into the competitive single-engine utility market while undercutting twin-engine alternatives on operating costs.
This positions the company to challenge established players like the Leonardo AW09 and Airbus H125 with a competitive versatile platform at a lower price point.
By emphasizing configurability and affordability, Robinson is directly responding to long-standing customer demands for a "pickup truck" helicopter for utility operations.
