Robinson Helicopter enters into 10-year contract, continues powering R66 helicopter with Rolls-Royce RR300 engines

ORLANDO, 5 March 2015. Officials at Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, Calif., have elected to power the company’s R66 gas-turbine helicopter with RR300 engines from Rolls-Royce in London. The company’s signed a 10-year agreement whereby Rolls-Royce will supply at least 1,000 RR300 engines for Robinson Helicopter’s R66 aircraft.

The Rolls-Royce RR300 has been the exclusive engine on Robinson’s R66 aircraft since it entered service in 2010. Rolls-Royce has delivered more than 800 RR300 engines to meet the growing global demand for the R66.

“The Rolls-Royce RR300 engine has proven itself in the field as a reliable, economical powerplant with over 275,000 flight hours,” affirms Jason Propes, Rolls-Royce senior vice president, helicopters. “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Robinson Helicopter and secure the RR300 on their versatile R66 aircraft for the next decade.”

“With 600 helicopters in the field and proven reliability, the RR300 engine is the perfect choice for the R66,” says Robinson Helicopters President Kurt Robinson.

Designed as a replacement for piston engines in light helicopters and general aviation aircraft, the

RR300 engine is optimized for performance in the 240 – 300 shp power range. The engine has a certified multi-fuel capability and proven turbine engine responsiveness, smoothness, and worry-free reliability.

RR300 operators are supported by a global network of Rolls-Royce authorized service providers.

The RR300 engine was developed from the legacy of the Rolls-Royce M250 engine line, which has topped 235 million flight hours from more than 31,000 engines delivered to the marketplace. M250 engines have powered more than 100 aircraft types and about 15,000 are in service around the world in civilian and military use, officials say.