Having just had my first ride in a R66 I would like to post my impressions;
Congratulations to Robinson for a great aircraft
I thought the build quality was good to great.
The rear centre seat is comical.
Power reserve on take off quite good, and T/r superb.
Cargo space is great improvement on R44 but losing underseat capacity a pain.
Auto was exceptional, probably the best I have experienced.
Top speed didn't meet expectations at about 115- 118 with 4 people
Wonder about logic of hooting along at 120+ light weight on own if it will do it, however as it would appear to be a danger zone for blade adherence.
Biggest issue I have is the 3000 cycles on 2000hr engine life when I average .5 per flight. This is a deal killer for me.
Aircraft had a bad lateral wallow type feeling with moderate side on winds, to be expected I suppose with such a high mast.
It would fit in to any shed someone has a R44 or Jetranger in, so that is important for some.
Its familiar type for all the R44 owners out there.
Is it 300-400k better than a R44 - no, don't think so
Is a new one better than a 10 year old EC120 for the same money, no I don't think so
Is a new one better than a 15 yr old AS350 BA , nope, unless your paranoid about fuel burn.
Is a new one better than a Jetbox, for the same money, well its going to be faster no doubt. That removed from the equation then no I don't think so.
The big thing about the Bells and Eurocopter is that many of the parts have much longer TBO's than the R66.