New Robinson R66??

I've always been skeptical about these 'rumors'...but in the Wed. HAI
"convention newspaper" there was an article about robinson and they asked Frank
a couple questions....when asked about a turbine he said they're definately
considering it...when asked about unmanned vehicle...he said definately not.
Interesting.
Dave

Have heared the R66 is on the cards from some good contacts in the USA
and it will be a three seat up front and three seat rear with a turbine
engine. Also heared that Frank is looking at ending the R22 production
to focus on the R44 as there is a greater return and less problems due
to flying schools and accidents??


--
stevebaby
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Seems like about every year (normally right before Heli-Expo) the rumors start.
I'll believe it when I see it...though I think he would be wise to figure out
a way to make a 5 seat ship. I know a guy who flies tours and he has a B206
and an R44...he says he hardly ever flies the 44 cause there are very few
groups of 3 who want to fly, and never has a single flier to fill the 4th seat.
As to a turbine...Frank was quoted in a paper at Heli-Expo saying it's not out
of the question, but will certainly get away from the simplicity and
affordability that have sold a lot of ships for him in the past 20yrs. As for
getting out of the R22 biz, I doubt it...his dream was always to build an
affordable "personal helicopter"...he's sold tons of them...why walk away from
that and alienate all those customers?
Just an opinion
Dave