Robinson's first new helicopter in 15 years. Eight passengers. Safran turbine power. Clean-sheet design.
Taking a look at the R88
Robinson's Bold New Chapter
After 15 years since the revolutionary R66, Robinson Helicopter Company is ready to redefine the utility helicopter market with an entirely new, clean-sheet design.
The R88 represents Robinson's ambitious vision for the future: a dual-pilot, 8-passenger helicopter designed as the next-generation "pickup truck" for utility operations worldwide. With a spacious 275 cubic foot cabin and 2,800 lb internal payload capacity, the R88 brings Robinson reliability to a new class of missions.
Announced in March 2025 at Verticon to immediate acclaim, the R88 has already secured over 150 orders worldwide - a testament to the industry's confidence in Robinson's newest creation.
Official Announcement
Robinson unveils the R88 at Verticon - their first new helicopter model in 15 years.
Development & Testing
Continued engineering development, systems integration, and ground testing phases.
Ground Runs Expected
First ground run tests of the complete aircraft with the Safran Arriel 2W engine.
First Flight
The R88 is expected to take to the skies shortly after successful ground runs.
Certification & Deliveries
FAA certification process followed by first customer deliveries worldwide.
The Most Capable Aircraft in Its Class
Garmin Glass Cockpit
The R88 pairs a full Garmin glass flight deck with conventional dual pilot controls and a fully integrated avionics architecture: engine monitoring, autopilot interfaces and communication systems all routed through a single modern cockpit designed for commercial and multi-pilot operations from day one.
Garmin G500H TXi Displays
State-of-the-art primary flight displays providing pilots with comprehensive flight data, navigation, and situational awareness in a modern glass cockpit environment.
GTN Touchscreen Navigators
Intuitive touchscreen navigation system offering GPS, moving maps, flight planning, and database-driven procedures for streamlined cockpit operations.
Conventional Dual Controls
Unlike the teetering bar design of the R22/R44/R66, the R88 features conventional dual pilot controls for enhanced training and multi-pilot operations.
Modern Systems Integration
Fully integrated avionics architecture connecting engine monitoring, autopilot interfaces, and communication systems for reduced pilot workload.
Easily Reconfigurable
Switch the R88 from a full eight-passenger commuter to a cargo hauler, medevac platform, or executive shuttle without tools or a trip to the hangar. Every seat row slides on rails, latches into floor tracks, and removes in seconds, letting a single operator reshape the cabin to match the mission.
Executive Shuttle
Rearrange seating for club-four layouts and VIP transport.
Eight-Seat Commuter
Full dual-row configuration for charter and transport operations.
Medevac Ready
Accommodates stretcher and attendant seating for EMS missions.
Cargo Mode
Remove rear rows in under a minute to open a flat cargo floor.
Safran Partnership
The R88 marks Robinson's historic first partnership with Safran Helicopter Engines, selecting the proven Arriel 2W turboshaft to power their most ambitious helicopter yet.
The Safran Arriel family represents one of the most successful turboshaft engine programs in aviation history, with over 66 million flight hours accumulated across the global fleet. This partnership extends Robinson's reliability and affordability heritage to their most ambitious airframe yet, delivering turbine capability at an operating cost that undercuts comparable turbine twins.
Strategic Partnership
Robinson's first major engine partnership outside Lycoming/Rolls-Royce signals a new era of capability and market positioning.
Proven Powerplant
The Safran Arriel 2W is part of the legendary Arriel family - one of the most successful turboshaft engines in helicopter aviation history.
950 SHP Class
Delivering substantial power in the 950 shaft horsepower class, enabling the R88 to perform utility missions with full passenger loads.
Global Support Network
Safran Helicopter Engines provides worldwide support with an extensive network of service centers and parts availability.
Arriel 2W Serenity Support Package
Robinson is the only helicopter manufacturer to bundle Safran's Serenity engine support standard with every aircraft, a first-of-its-kind offering in commercial rotorcraft.
- 5 years or 2,000 flight hours of coverage (whichever comes first)
- Level 3 & 4 unscheduled maintenance included
- Aircraft on Ground (AOG) incident service
Understand How the R88 Fits
150+ operators have already registered. The R88's lower operating cost per seat means that if your competitors adopt it before you, they can undercut your rates, win more contracts, and scale faster, while you're still flying older, more expensive iron.
Pre-ordering the R88 in the UK
R88 pre-orders are open ahead of production. As a UK Robinson dealer, HQ Aviation takes deposits to secure delivery positions, and walks you through pricing, configuration and timing, from the same team that sells, maintains and flies the rest of the Robinson range at Denham Aerodrome. More than 150 R88s are already on order worldwide.
R88 FAQs
Can I pre-order the Robinson R88 in the UK?
Yes. R88 pre-orders are open ahead of production. You secure a delivery position with a deposit through HQ Aviation, a UK Robinson dealer at Denham Aerodrome, London. Call +44 1895 833373 or use the register form above.
How much does the Robinson R88 cost?
Robinson’s published starting price is a pre-production estimate of around 3.3 million US dollars. Confirm current pricing, specification and delivery positions with us when you enquire.
When will the R88 be delivered?
The R88 is pre-production: Robinson announced it at Verticon in March 2025, ground runs are expected late 2026, and the aircraft is expected to fly shortly after successful ground runs. Delivery timing depends on your position in the order book, so talk to us about what’s currently available.
How many seats does the R88 have?
Ten in total: an eight-passenger cabin plus two pilots, with a cabin of about 275 cubic feet and an internal payload of 2,800 lb.
What engine powers the R88?
A Safran Arriel 2W turboshaft in the 950 shaft-horsepower class, giving a range of 350 or more nautical miles and endurance of 3.5 or more hours.