Robinson's New R88 Model Supersizes its Helicopter Family

Robinson Helicopter sprung a surprise at the Verticon show in Dallas when it unveiled plans for what marks a step change in its product line up. The new R88 rotorcraft is significantly larger than the R22, R44, and R66 models the California company has produced so far, with room for up to 10 seats and able to carry up to 1,800 pounds of payload. Beyond the enlarged cabin there is a new Safran Arriel engine and Garmin avionics in the cockpit. We speak to Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith, and Cédric Goubet, president of Safran Helicopter Engines.