Robinson R88

[Nufnmp]

Bigger than the 66, Arriel 2W power. 8 pax plus two crew.

Sliding doors, dual HYD, fly from left or right, very nice.

Still two MR blades. Huh.

I’m interested to see and fly one, but a little disappointed too.

[skypig]

Another Robinson that has no direct competition.
A 10 seat single - interesting.

[rotors99]

will it have the same triple hedged head......perfect for chugging AKA death trap

[thatsmad]

10 place, single engine, teeter head? Modern take on the 205s?

9pax charter or scenics? Cost less to run than a B3?!

[Chopper Guy]

My thoughts (for what they're worth LOL)

1) Robinson are targeting the EMS market in America... please correct me if I'm wrong, but America will allow a single pilot to fly a single engine IFR rated aircraft for EMS?

Based on what Robinson will be selling the R88 for (I'll take a guess here and say around the USD $2,5 mark??) it'll be very attractive from both a purchase and operating cost perspective for these style of operations...

2) It'll be a very cost effective IFR trainer...

CG

[Ogaff47]

My thoughts (for what they're worth LOL)

1) Robinson are targeting the EMS market in America... please correct me if I'm wrong, but America will allow a single pilot to fly a single engine IFR rated aircraft for EMS?

Based on what Robinson will be selling the R88 for (I'll take a guess here and say around the USD $2,5 mark??) it'll be very attractive from both a purchase and operating cost perspective for these style of operations...

2) It'll be a very cost effective IFR trainer...

CG

You may be pretty close to the mark.

1.) Recently Air Methods, and other operators in the US, have been buying the Bell 407GXI which was the first single engine IFR helicopter in decades. The FAA has also just certified the H125 for IFR as well. I can't say for sure if they're currently flying these IMC or not; legally, they can. I don't think many experienced pilots would be willing to fly it IMC; I surely wouldn't. But HEMS in the states is a race to the bottom and those medical corporations are dying to make an extra dollar.

2.) The U.S. uses R22s, R44s, Schweizer 300CB, etc. for IFR training. No one would select the R88 for IFR training in the states. On the other hand, If someone brought an IFR-certified R88, 407GXI, H125 (all competing at around the same price) to Australia, they'd likely do pretty well.

[skypig]

I think they are saying US$3.3m. Plus options no doubt.

Deposit tomorrow. Delivery “end of the decade”