Robinson Helicopter’s all-new five-seat turbine offering, the R66, became available for order on February 7 ahead of the helicopter making its first ‘public’ display at Heli-Expo 2010 in Houston, Texas, later this month.
The R66, powered by Rolls-Royce’s new RR300 turbine, a modernised derivative of the Rolls-Royce Model 250, has a base ex factory price of US$770,000 (A$879,500), with customers required to pay a US$75,000 ($85,600) non-refundable deposit when ordering. Standard equipment and features include HID landing lights, leather seats, stereo audio panel, large baggage compartment and an open interior configuration.
Serial numbers for R66 orders will not be assigned and delivery dates not confirmed until after the types’s FAA certification is awarded, expected to be late this year. First customer deliveries are expected in early 2011.
Announced in March 2007, the R66 will be sold through the California based manufacturer’s dealer network with Robinson currently accepting R66 dealer applications.