Robinson Helicopter Company is set to showcase its new R88 model at the European Rotors Exhibition, VTOL Show and Safety Conference in Cologne, Germany, from 18–20 November.

Officially unveiled in Dallas in March 2025, the R88 is Robinson’s first all-new helicopter in almost 15 years. Designed as a larger and more capable utility aircraft, it expands the company’s product range to meet a variety of mission requirements while retaining its emphasis on reliability, dependability and affordability. The R88 is an entirely new type certificate and is currently undergoing rigorous testing.

David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, says: “With the R88, we aim to disrupt the market by offering superior performance and capability at a competitive price. Our integrated manufacturing allows us to provide a highly capable, stylish and affordable helicopter with readily available parts and predictable maintenance.”

The R88 is powered by Safran Helicopter Engines’ 1,000-shaft-horsepower Arriel 2W, part of an engine family with over 66 million flight hours globally. Each aircraft purchase will include Safran’s Serenity service and support package at no additional cost. The bundle covers services such as unscheduled removals and premium health monitoring for the first five years or 2,000 flight hours, whichever comes first. Robinson and Safran will release further information at the show.

“We are making significant strides in the R88 development programme, and the momentum here in Torrance is building. Having Safran development staff on-site is critical; their collaboration on the Arriel 2W engine integration is seamless and accelerates our entire timeline,” explains Smith. “Our engineering team is focused on building the first flight aircraft now, a massive undertaking that will culminate in the R88’s first flight in 2026. Key component and assembly testing is underway to qualify the first flight vehicle, and key capital equipment is being added to our factory to ensure production readiness. This momentum is a direct result of our investment in people and partnerships, securing the R88’s future as the market-leading utility helicopter.”

The R88 seats up to eight passengers in the main cabin and two in the cockpit. It offers a payload of up to 1,800 pounds with full fuel, and an internal payload capacity of more than 2,800 pounds. With a range exceeding 350nm and endurance of over 3.5 hours R88, the R88 expands Robinson’s utility capabilities, and an exterior option adds a 3,000-pound HEC-rated cargo hook for lifting operations.

The flight deck features a Garmin avionics suite with large G500H TXi displays and a GTN navigator, alongside a standard four-axis autopilot that includes level mode, hover assist and speed protection. Safety features include dual hydraulics for pitch and roll, an inlet barrier filter and impact-resistant windshields certified to Part 29 transport requirements.

Inside, the R88 features a flat floor and fold-down, truck-bed style rear door for easier cargo loading. Dual cyclic controls, removable on either side, allow pilots to fly from either seat, and the type will be certified for optional single-pilot IFR operations.

Robinson has already secured more than 150 orders for the R88 from customers around the world. The starting price, announced at its US debut, will remain at $3.3 million for the highly equipped standard configuration when orders open at European Rotors. Authorised Robinson dealers will have the opportunity to place deposits at the event.