Robinson Helicopter has received FAA approval for an improved empennage on its R66 single-engine turbine helicopter. According to the company, the new symmetrical horizontal stabilizer is mounted on the tailcone a little farther from the tail rotor than the original, providing enhanced roll stability during high-speed flight. It also has a 4,000-hour TBO—double that of the original horizontal stabilizer.
This configuration is standard on all new-production R66s beginning with S/N 1279. Robinson Helicopter said it is working with civil airworthiness authorities worldwide to obtain foreign validations and, once received, R66s destined for those markets will be delivered with the improved stabilizer.
Company CEO Kurt Robinson told AIN that the enhanced stabilizer “does not alter in any way the authorized flight envelope of the R66,” especially with regard to high-speed flight, avoiding significant turbulence, and prohibitions on low-G maneuvers. However, he said, “Our pilots have found that the aircraft feels more stable at high speeds and in turbulence toward the outer ranges [of the approved flight envelope]. That is what you will notice.”
“Everything we do is to try and increase safety,” Robinson said. He added that the upgraded R66 stabilizer is the latest in a line of standard and optional safety enhancements added to the company’s helicopters. This list includes crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit cameras, night-vision goggle-compatible cockpits, and autopilots.