The all-new R88 from Robinson Helicopter Company has been named among the 2026 ‘Best of the Best’ in the Aviation category by the Robb Report. The recognition highlights the R88's alignment with evolving customer and operator requirements, balancing enhanced performance metrics with practical reliability, accessible operating economics and modern style.

“Winning the Robb Report award proves that the market wants a capable and modern helicopter with attractive styling and design,” says president and CEO David Smith. “We designed the R88 with multiple configurations for both fleet operators and individual luxury buyers who need utility without unnecessary complexity. Whether you are travelling with family or packing mountain bikes, camping gear and extra luggage, this aircraft delivers reliable, safe, cost-effective and stylish performance for every adventure.”

Robinson unveiled its first all-new aircraft in nearly 15 years in March 2025, saying that the R88 would be powered by a single engine 950shp power class Arriel 2W from Safran Helicopter Engines. Customers would benefit from a worldwide support network plus Serenity package featuring unscheduled maintenance for 5 years or 2,000 flying hours, Premium Health Monitoring and advanced digital services.

The R88 is the largest and most capable aircraft Robinson Helicopter has designed, an all-new type certificate, with capacity for eight main cabin seats, two cockpit seats and a payload capacity of up to 1,800 pounds with full fuel. It has approximately 275 cubic feet of cabin volume, a range of over 350nm and endurance exceeding 3.5 hours. The aircraft is expected to have an internal payload of more than 2,800 pounds.

The highly configurable cabin features a flat floor, allowing for multiple forward and club seating configurations, effective air medical and public safety mission configurations, and multiple future seating options. A fold-down, truck-bed style rear door simplifies cargo loading and accommodates a HEMS stretcher.

The aircraft is available with standard skids or optional high skids for increased ground clearance and compatibility with a firefighting water tank. Optional equipment includes a 3,000 pound HEC-rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike protection kit, and pop-out floats.

It features a Garmin avionics suite, including large, all-glass G500H TXi displays and GTN navigators with touchscreen controls. Dual cyclic controls with removable controls on both sides allow the pilot in command to be in either the left or right seat with a passenger in the other seat. The aircraft will be type-certified for optional single-pilot IFR operations.

Development continues through its multi-year flight test program and FAA Type Certification is targeted before the end of the decade.

Early flight evaluations and industry reviews have validated the aircraft's design objectives, emphasising its optimised cabin architecture, reduced acoustic signature and advanced safety systems. Global market demand remains strong, with the company having secured more than 150 formal purchase deposits. The R88 programme is progressing through its multi-year flight test regimen, with type certification from the FAA on track before the end of the decade.