Rolls-Royce RR300 engines to power Robinson's R66 helicopter

Robinson Helicopter has selected Rolls-Royce to provide at least 1,000 RR300 engines to power its R66 turbine-powered helicopter.

The RR300 engine is optimised for the 240shp-300shp power range, and is designed to replace piston engines in light helicopters and general aviation aircraft.

The engine is claimed to have multi-fuel capability, turbine engine responsiveness, smoothness and reliability.

According to Rolls-Royce, the RR300 was the exclusive engine for Robinson's R66 since the rotorcraft entered service in 2010, and the company supplied more than 800 RR300 engines.

Rolls-Royce Helicopters senior vice-president Jason Propes said: "The Rolls-Royce RR300 engine has proven itself in the field as a reliable, economical powerplant with over 275,000 flight hours."

The ten-year agreement builds on an existing relationship of Rolls-Royce and Robinson Helicopter.

The company will provide 2,000 hour preventative maintenance inspection (PMI) services to ensure dependable power and predictable performance for the operator.

Robinson Helicopters president Kurt Robinson said: "With 600 helicopters in the field and proven reliability, the RR300 engine is the perfect choice for the R66."

The RR300 engine is said to be built on the legacy of Rolls-Royce's M250 engine, which recorded 235 million flight hours from more than 31,000 engines delivered.