AirCompAnalysisFEB14_ACAn 21/01/2014 12:17 Page 1
AIRCRAFT COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ROBINSON R66
ENSTROM 480B
EUROCOPTER EC-120B
ROBINSON R66
Robinson R66 by Michael Chase n this month’s Aircraft Comparative Analysis, and with the HAI Heli-Expo due in California at the end of February, we provide information on a selection of new and preowned Single-Engine Light Turbine helicopters in the $0.82-$1.8 million price range for the purpose of valuing the Robinson R66 helicopter. We’ll consider the usual productivity parameters - payload/range, speed and cabin size - and cover current market values. The field in this study includes the Enstrom 480B and Eurocopter EC-120B.
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WORLD AIRCRAFT SALES MAGAZINE – February 2014
BRIEF HISTORY The R66 is Robinson’s first turbine-engined model, and was unveiled in March 2007 to compete with the Bell and Eurocopter helicopters. It made its maiden flight on 7 November 2007 at Torrance Airport, California, however, certification of the helicopter was delayed due to failure in the conventional tail rotor design. It eventually received FAA certification in October 2010 during a ceremony held at the Robinson headquarters in Torrance. The R66 is a 5-place helicopter. The center seat is slightly further forward and higher which helps shoulders overlap slightly for individuals with a wider set. The cabin slightly longer than the R44’s - offers more www.AvBuyer.com
legroom. Additionally, the R66 comes with increased reserve power, increased altitude performance, and a large baggage compartment as compared to the R44. The R66 is the first Robinson helicopter with a cargo hold, carrying up to 300 pounds. A single-engine helicopter (Rolls-Royce RR300) with a two-blade main rotor, twoblade tail rotor, and a skid landing gear, the R66 is constructed from advanced composites, aluminum alloy sheet and chromoly steel. Like the R44, the R66 has electromechanical instruments rather than the more modern glass cockpit. TBO is 2,000 hours (or 12 years) for the airframe, and 2,000 hours or 3,000 start cycles for the engine, whichever occurs first. ❯ Aircraft Index see Page 4