FAA Certifies Robinson R66 Police Helicopter
It has been over fifty years since I was flying one of the first police news helicopters for WGN in Chicago. I then slipped south to Indianapolis to make the first test flights with Allison’s Model 250 Turbine Engine. This week Robinson Helicopter Company announced beautifully marrying the two … police and light turbine helicopter:
“On 7 September 2012, Robinson Helicopter Company received FAA certification for the R66 Turbine Police Helicopter. Robinson’s R66 Police model is specially configured for law enforcement and meets the latest FAA crashworthiness regulations.
The four-place R66 Police helicopter combines R66 power, altitude performance, and capacity with the latest in surveillance systems. Turn-key ready, the R66 police comes standard with FAA-approved technology including the FLIR Ultra 8000 thermal imaging camera, a 10-inch fold down color monitor, the new Spectrolab SX-7 searchlight with 30-million candlepower, and a dual audio controller.
Robinson believes the modest price tag of US $1,104,000 and simplified maintenance schedule will appeal to both large and small police agencies. The first production R66 Police Helicopter will be delivered in October of this year to Southern California’s Fontana Police Department. Fontana is the lead agency in a four city alliance and has used Robinson R44 Police helicopters since 2005.
Performance specifications of the R66 Police Helicopter include a cruise speed of up to 120 kts (138 mph), payload of 800 lbs with full fuel, and a hover ceiling OGE at max gross weight of 10,000 ft. Robinson will continue expanding the R66 line with an ENG (Electric News Gathering) version and a float version both targeted for release in 2013.
Robinson Helicopter Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters.”
For more information, visit Robinson’s website at www.robinsonheli.com.