A Robinson R66 Turbine light helicopter registered to Sloane Helicopters, parked at the Heliport at Silverstone Race Circuit.
The Robinson R66 Turbine is a five-seat helicopter, incorporating many features of the R44 with the enhancement of a fifth seat and a very large baggage compartment. The RR300 turbine engine delivers increased performance in terms of reserve power, altitude performance and speed. Popular Robinson R44 options such as HID landing lights, leather seats and a stereo audio control panel, are all standard on the R66 Turbine. Optional equipment includes the Garmin G500H PrimaryFlight Display and Multifunction Display (PFD/MFD) and the HeliSAS autopilot. The Robinson R66 Turbine is also available as a Turbine Marine with fixed or pop-out floats. The Robinson R66 is a turboshaft-powered helicopter designed and built by the Robinson Helicopter Company. It has five seats, a separate cargo compartment, and is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft. The R66 is slightly faster and smoother than the Robinson R44 from which it is derived. The R66 received both type and production certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 25, 2010. Deliveries started in November 2010. The R66 is a single-engined helicopter with a two-bladed main rotor and two-bladed tail rotor, and a skid landing gear. The R66 is constructed from advanced composites, aluminum alloy sheet and chromoly steel. Like the R44, the R66 has both electromechanical instruments as well as the more modern digital glass cockpit. The R66 is the first Robinson helicopter with a cargo hold; the hold carries up to 300 pounds (140 kg). R66 Turbine production model The RR300 engine is more compact and lighter than the Lycoming O-540 six-cylinder piston engine that powers the R44—the R66 has a lower empty weight than the R44. The RR300 is cheaper to buy, and has a simplified single-stage centrifugal compressor that is expected to result in lower maintenance costs.
Size: 5523px × 3562px
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: circuit, classic, company, helicopter, r66, race, robinson, seats, silverstone, turboshaft-powered
