The new Robinson R88!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 240
Likes: 50
From: San Diego, CA
Of course David is on here, as you can see by that like, but to summarize that video:
* David feels two-blades are simpler and less prone to failure
* Cruise speed is targeted to be 135+ kts due to customer demands (which I 100% agree with)
* Low-G not much of a concern due to standard SAS/AP and now-standard symmetrical horizontal stabilizer
* Will eventually build EMS and other versions in-house, just like the police/news R66s they also make
* David feels two-blades are simpler and less prone to failure
* Cruise speed is targeted to be 135+ kts due to customer demands (which I 100% agree with)
* Low-G not much of a concern due to standard SAS/AP and now-standard symmetrical horizontal stabilizer
* Will eventually build EMS and other versions in-house, just like the police/news R66s they also make
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 446
Likes: 100
From: South East Asia
Ok that is a bit of non sense, rotor head are not "prone to failure" in general, and a 5 bladed AW139 is not more dangerous for that.
Also another statement confusing the issue, Low-G is pilot error or its unexpected severe turbulence at speed, I don't see how SAS/AP and horizontal stabilizer are changing much of that.
That surely will simplify the process instead buying a new H125 and sending it to the other shop to get EMS fitted.
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 240
Likes: 50
From: San Diego, CA
You may not have been following Robinson news, but the symmetrical H stab significantly improves low-G recovery because it eliminates the right-rolling tendency. They thought, and always taught, that the tail rotor thrust causes the helicopter to roll right in low G, but it turns out that was wrong and it was actually the horizontal stabilizer, which had been only on the right side, that caused the helicopter to roll right in that scenario. The symmetrical one largely fixes that, so I already have had it retrofitted onto my own R44 - it's just safer. And David said the SAS in the R88 can't be disengaged (without pulling the CB) and resists improper pilot inputs. But you're welcome to watch the video.
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 240
Likes: 50
From: San Diego, CA
I think those are CGI renders but I haven't seen them before; thanks for posting. I do think they should have a high-visibility passenger door option for VIP/charter/corporate clients; it's a very common option on the 407.
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 55
Likes: 97
From: Torrance, CA
Not CGI. These are photographs of our marketing and customer evaluation prototype. 3rd prototype R88 we built.
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 880
Likes: 225
From: Australia
But a question: Why such a bluff back end to the main fuselage? Wouldn't that lead to a fair bit of drag? Sure, I know R22, R44, R66 all have the same feature but I would say they also cop a bit of drag as a result? Why not take a leaf out of Bell 206 / 206L / 407 book?
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 240
Likes: 50
From: San Diego, CA
I'm sure it's because it's a door - you can see the hinge on the bottom and a little lever for opening it. Probably meant primarily for medevac versions, which that prototype is. But I agree that it *seems* like it would cause a lot of drag.
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 880
Likes: 225
From: Australia
Yes, I spotted the apparent door, but types like Bo105, BK117 have adopted clamshell doors (and high tail rotors) so avoiding the bluff back. Though I would imagine Bo105 would also have to overcome a fair bit of drag.
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 55
Likes: 97
From: Torrance, CA
The drag was not as significant as initially expected, but will be validated in flight testing. Stay tuned!
Joined: Nov 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,144
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From: UK
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 44
From: Europe
News about the R88 from David Smith :
David Smith shares R88 update as type makes European debut in Cologne - Vertical Mag
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David Smith shares R88 update as type makes European debut in Cologne - Vertical Mag
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Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 153
Likes: 90
From: Finland
The official brochure states ”more than 1800 lbs (816) with full fuel” and more than 3000 lbs (1361kg) internal load”.
https://robinsonstrapistorprod.blob....fce39ea467.pdf
https://robinsonstrapistorprod.blob....fce39ea467.pdf
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 55
Likes: 97
From: Torrance, CA
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 55
Likes: 97
From: Torrance, CA
no tethered flights as that’s very dangerous.
we will do a round of restrained ground testing prior to first flight, but it will be fully anchored down to the ground. Plan is to go to ground testing late next year.
