Robinson Celebrates Delivery of 100th R66

Robinson Helicopter recently delivered its 100th R66 single-engine turbine helicopter to long-time customer and South African-dealer National Airways Corp. Just 14 months after receiving FAA certification, Robinson has received more than 380 orders for the five-passenger Rolls-Royce RR300-powered R66, 70 percent of those from the export market. Customer response to the R66 has exceeded expectations, said Robinson CEO Kurt Robinson. The company is currently busy adding to its list of foreign certifications for the R66 and developing specialized kits, including law-enforcement packages for the helicopter. It also is investigating glass-panel avionics options.