Viddler

Rolls-Royce RR300 Will Power New Robinson R66 Helicopter

In March of 2007, Rolls Royce made it official... that they were building a "next-generation" small turbine engine for the civil helicopter market, and it had been selected to power the Robinson R66 Helo.

More than "just" a follow-on to the highly-regarded Allison/Rolls 250, the 215 pound Rolls-Royce RR300 is rated at 300shp. According to RR, the new RR300 engine represents a 'major step forward' in the helicopter industry by providing 300 shaft horsepower at takeoff, excellent hot and high performance and outstanding value. The RR300 makes Rolls-Royce turbine power available in the lower shp range.

The engine is first destined for installation in future production Robinson R66 helos. The new R66 five-seater is Robinson Helicopter Company?s first venture into gas turbine-powered rotorcraft and will complement the company?s existing line of piston-powered aircraft -- which have been the best selling helos in the business for many years. Rolls-Royce received FAA type certification last year with full-rate production now underway and trhe first production engine shipped to RHC last march. Under the agreement with Robinson Helicopter, Rolls-Royce will provide several hundred RR300 engines in upcoming years.

A prototype RR300 engine has been flying on a Robinson helicopter prototype since mid-2007.

Key attributes of the RR300 reportedly include: lower acquisition and operating costs; low-weight, compact design; improved specific fuel consumption; an embedded engine monitoring system; and an optional, through-life, peace-of-mind maintenance program.

The previous Model 250 line has produced nearly 30,000 engines, with approximately 16,000 currently in service worldwide in a wide range of aircraft styles.

In addition to orders with Robinson Helicopters, Rolls-Royce also signed Memoranda of Understanding with Enstrom Helicopters, Schweizer Aircraft and MD Helicop