An auxiliary fuel tank is now available for the Robinson (Booth 3501) R66 turbine. The 43-gallon tank extends the helicopter’s range by up to 200 nm and mounts on a fiberglass tray that installs in the forward section of the baggage compartment. The tank occupies two-thirds of the compartment, leaving space for up to 100 pounds of cargo. Both the tank and the tray are easily removable.
The 37-pound system includes a crash-resistant fuel bladder that fits inside an aluminum and fiberglass enclosure with an internal fuel pump that pumps fuel to the helicopter’s main tank at a rate of approximately 40 gph. The controls are located in the upper avionics console and feature an on/off switch, a no-flow annunciator light and a fuel quantity button. The system costs $32,000 and will be an available option for R66s ordered after Jan. 15, 2016.