Robinson Helicopter Company was founded by Frank Robinson in 1973 with a revolutionary vision: to design and manufacture light, reliable, and affordable helicopters for the general aviation market. Unlike the complex and expensive machines that dominated the market at the time, Robinson focused on simplicity and low operating costs, leading to the highly successful two-seat R22 and the four-seat R44 piston-engine models. Today, Robinson, based in Torrance, California, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of civilian helicopters, famous for making rotary-wing flight accessible to private owners, flight schools, and utility operators globally.

The Robinson R66 Turbine represents the company's leap into the turbine-powered market, designed to compete with larger commercial models while maintaining the Robinson philosophy of efficiency and value. Announced in 2007 and FAA-certified in 2010, the R66 offers a five-seat configuration (one pilot and four passengers), features a separate, dedicated cargo compartment, and is powered by the compact Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine. The switch to a turbine engine provides superior performance—including higher speed, payload capacity, and better high-altitude capability—while utilizing Jet-A fuel, a major operational advantage over the Avgas required by its piston predecessors.

The Next Generation (NxG) of the R66 was officially unveiled in March 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of the original R66's production launch. This major refresh transitioned the aircraft to an advanced all-glass cockpit and introduced significant safety features, such as a standard two-axis autopilot and an impact-resistant windshield.

The Robinson R66 NxG (Next Generation) Variants Explained

The R66 NxG (Next Generation) represents a significant upgrade to the standard R66 platform. It's less about new mission-specific variants (like 'Marine' or 'Police') and more about introducing an all-new standard for the cockpit, safety, and finish, which is then offered in distinct Trim Levels.

The R66 NxG effectively replaces the standard R66 model and incorporates major features as standard equipment that were previously expensive options.

Here are the key features and the three primary trim levels (variants) of the R66 NxG:

R66 NxG: Standard Key Features

All R66 NxG aircraft include the following major upgrades over the previous generation R66:

• All-Glass Cockpit: Replaces traditional round gauges with integrated, advanced digital displays. Engine and system instruments are now displayed on the Garmin TXi flight displays.
• Standard 2-Axis Autopilot: The Garmin GFC 600H autopilot is standard, an industry-first for a light helicopter. This significantly reduces pilot workload and increases safety with features like:
  • Single-button Level Mode.
  • Limit Cueing (visual warnings for flight limits).
  • Overspeed/Underspeed protection.
• Impact-Resistant Windshield: A polycarbonate windshield is standard, providing greater protection against bird or drone strikes.
• Standard Air Conditioning: Air conditioning is included as standard equipment across all trim levels.
• LED Lighting: New LED landing lights are installed, featuring a pulse mode to help reduce the risk of bird strikes.

R66 NxG Trim Levels (Variants)

Robinson has streamlined the ordering process by offering the NxG in three distinct trim levels, named after neighbourhoods near their headquarters in Torrance, California:

1. Southwood (Base Trim)

• Focus: Designed as the capable workhorse—reliable and accessible without all the premium add-ons.
• Avionics: Standard Garmin G500H 700P/700P TXi displays.
• Autopilot: Standard 2-axis Garmin Autopilot.
• Interior: Premium upholstery with two colour choices (Stone or Graphite).

2. Palo Verde (Mid-Grade Trim)

• Focus: Adds more advanced avionics and premium aesthetic features for enhanced comfort and navigation.
• Avionics: Standard Garmin G500H 700P/700P TXi, with an option to upgrade to the larger G1060/700P TXi display.
• Navigation: Includes the Garmin GTN 750Xi GPS/COM/NAV, Synthetic Vision, and GDL 60 Datalink as standard.
• Interior/Exterior: Enhanced interior options (e.g., Sand leather) and new exterior paint schemes. Standard features include sun visors and ambient overhead lighting.

3. Riviera (Limited Edition Premium Trim)

• Focus: The highest-end luxury trim, featuring exclusive materials and the most advanced flight controls.
• Autopilot: Optional 3-axis Garmin Autopilot.
• Interior: Exclusive Midnight + Umber interior design. Features include:
  • Alcantara fabric headliner.
  • Laser-etched suede seat inserts.
  • Light fabricated wood flooring (a first for a Robinson).
• Exterior: Unique, bold colour-block paint scheme.
• Note: This is typically a Limited Edition model, available for a specific ordering window.

In summary, the NxG family is about standardizing premium features and then offering different trim levels to match the customer's blend of utility and luxury requirements.

Contact Heliflite for further info.