Robinson R66 Turbine: Specifications, Performance, and Cabin Dimensions

The Robinson R66 Turbine is a five-seat, single-engine turbine helicopter introduced in 2010 as Robinson Helicopter Company’s first turbine-powered aircraft. The R66 offers improved performance over its piston-powered predecessor, the R44, while maintaining the straightforward design and economical operation that Robinson is known for.

Table of Contents

• Engine and Powerplant
• Dimensions and Physical Characteristics
• Weight, Balance, and Payload
• Performance Capabilities
• Cabin and Controls
• Variants and Configurations
• Safety and Maintenance
• The Bottom Line
• Quick Reference Specifications

Engine and Powerplant

The Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine delivers 270 shaft horsepower during its five-minute rating and 224 shp for continuous operation. The engine weighs just 201 pounds and features a simplified single-stage centrifugal compressor, making it less complex and less expensive to maintain than many turbine engines in its class.

The R66 operates on readily available Jet A, Jet A-1, or No. 3 Jet Fuel, which is far more accessible internationally than the 100LL avgas required by piston helicopters. The turbine burns approximately 23 gallons per hour compared to 15 gallons per hour for the R44’s piston engine, with a 2,000-hour overhaul interval.

Dimensions and Physical Characteristics

The R66 shares the same overall length and main rotor diameter as the R44 (38.25 feet and 33 feet, respectively), but the cabin width increased from 50.5 inches to 58 inches, providing noticeably more shoulder room. The helicopter stands 11.4 feet tall, eight inches taller than the R44, but can still roll under a standard 12-foot door when mounted on its removable ground-handling wheels.

Both the main and tail rotors use two-blade, all-metal construction with aluminum skins. The main rotor features thick stainless steel leading-edge spars resistant to corrosion and erosion.

Weight, Balance, and Payload

The helicopter has a maximum gross weight of 2,700 lbs, with an empty weight typically between 1,270 and 1,290 lbs, providing a useful load of approximately 1,300 to 1,430 lbs.

The dedicated 18-cubic-foot baggage compartment can hold 300 lbs and accommodate three to four full-size suitcases. Center of gravity limitations are critical in helicopter operations, so baggage placement matters as much as baggage weight.

Performance Capabilities

The R66’s turbine engine provides substantial performance improvements over piston helicopters, particularly in hot weather and at high elevations. Cruise speed is typically 110-120 knots (126-138 mph), with a maximum speed of 130 knots. Range with standard fuel tanks is approximately 260-350 nautical miles depending on payload, winds, and power settings.

The R66 excels at altitude with a service ceiling of 14,000 feet and hover ceilings exceeding 10,000 feet both in and out of ground effect. Rate of climb exceeds 1,000 feet per minute. Minimum rate of descent during autorotation is approximately 1,300 feet per minute.

Cabin and Controls

The R66’s open cabin seats five adults in a 2+3 configuration. All seats feature energy-absorbing designs that meet current FAA crashworthiness standards. The middle rear seat is positioned slightly forward and higher, giving passengers more shoulder clearance, though the middle passenger should be no taller than about 5’9” to avoid head clearance issues.

The R66 uses Robinson’s signature T-bar cyclic control system with dual controls as standard equipment. The hydraulic flight control system (absent on piston Robinsons) provides smoother and more responsive handling, reducing pilot fatigue during long flights.

Variants and Configurations

Safety and Maintenance

The R66 incorporates energy-absorbing seats, bladder fuel system, symmetrical horizontal stabilizer (2024 update), engine anti-ice system, and comprehensive warning systems. The helicopter received FAA certification on October 25, 2010, with additional certifications from Russia, Canada, EASA, and Chinese CAAC.

Every 2,000 hours or 12 years, the helicopter undergoes complete disassembly and rebuilding at the factory or an authorized service center. This process includes replacement or rebuild of rotor blades, transmission, gearboxes, engine, and sheet metal to factory standards. The 2,000-hour service costs approximately $371,000 but essentially provides a renewed helicopter.

The Bottom Line

The Robinson R66 Turbine successfully bridges the gap between piston-powered light helicopters and larger turbine aircraft. Its combination of five-seat capacity, dedicated baggage space, turbine power and smoothness, excellent altitude performance, and relatively economical operation has made it one of the most successful light turbine helicopters in aviation history.

For buyers, the R66 offers genuine turbine helicopter capability at a price point below $1 million (new), with operating costs that remain the most economical in the turbine category on a per-seat basis. The aircraft’s versatility across private, commercial, training, and utility roles, combined with Robinson’s extensive support network, makes the R66 a practical choice for operators worldwide.

Quick Reference Specifications