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R-66 – 5 Seat Helicopter: Price, Features, Specifications & Comparison
Feb. 6, 2026
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Introduction to the R-66 Helicopter
The R-66 helicopter, officially known as the Robinson R-66 Turbine, is one of the most popular 5-seat light turbine helicopters in the world. Designed and manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company, the R-66 is widely respected for its reliability, affordability, turbine performance, and low operating cost compared to other helicopters in its class.
The R-66 was developed as an upgrade to the famous Robinson R44, offering pilots and operators a turbine-powered helicopter that bridges the gap between piston helicopters and high-end turbine aircraft. Because of its performance, safety record, and versatility, the R-66 is used globally for private flying, charter services, corporate travel, pilot training, aerial surveys, and utility operations.
This article is a 100% SEO-optimized, in-depth guide covering:
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R-66 helicopter price
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Technical specifications
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Features & benefits
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Operating cost
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Cabin and performance details
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Comparison with other helicopters
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Alternative helicopters with prices
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FAQs
What is the R-66 5 Seat Helicopter?
The Robinson R-66 is a single-engine turbine helicopter with seating for one pilot and four passengers. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine, offering better performance, smoother operation, and higher reliability than piston-engine helicopters.
Basic Overview of Robinson R-66
| Feature |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Robinson Helicopter Company |
| Seating Capacity |
5 seats |
| Engine Type |
Turbine |
| Engine Model |
Rolls-Royce RR300 |
| Fuel Type |
Jet-A |
| Helicopter Class |
Light turbine helicopter |
| Typical Use |
Private, charter, training, utility |
R-66 Helicopter Price (New & Used)
One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of the R-66 helicopter is its competitive pricing within the turbine helicopter segment.
New R-66 Helicopter Price
| Variant |
Approx Price (USD) |
| R-66 Standard |
$1.2 million |
| R-66 Marine (Floats) |
$1.27 million |
| R-66 NxG (Next-Gen Avionics) |
$1.38 million |
| R-66 Riviera (Luxury Interior) |
$1.65–1.7 million |
Note: Prices may vary depending on configuration, avionics, country, import duty, and customization.
Used R-66 Helicopter Price
| Condition |
Price Range (USD) |
| Low-hour used R-66 |
$900,000 – $1.1 million |
| Mid-time R-66 |
$750,000 – $900,000 |
| High-time R-66 |
$650,000 – $750,000 |
R-66 Helicopter Price in India (Estimated)
In India, helicopters are significantly more expensive due to import duties, GST, certification costs, and logistics.
| Category |
Approx Price |
| New R-66 in India |
₹14 – ₹17 Crore |
| Used R-66 in India |
₹10 – ₹13 Crore |
Engine & Performance of R-66 Helicopter
Rolls-Royce RR300 Turbine Engine
The R-66 uses a Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine, specially designed for light helicopters.
Key Engine Advantages:
Performance Specifications
| Performance Parameter |
Value |
| Cruise Speed |
110 knots (203 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed |
130 knots |
| Range |
~350 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling |
14,000 feet |
| Rate of Climb |
1,000+ ft/min |
| Fuel Consumption |
~23 gallons/hour |
Cabin, Seating & Comfort
The R-66 cabin is designed for comfort, visibility, and safety.
Seating Configuration
Cabin Features
Baggage & Cargo Capacity
| Cargo Area |
Capacity |
| Internal Baggage |
~300 lbs |
| External Cargo Hook (Optional) |
Up to 1,200 lbs |
The cargo hook option makes the R-66 suitable for utility work, surveying, and logistics.
Avionics & Technology
The R-66 can be configured with modern glass cockpit avionics.
Available Avionics Options
Safety Features of R-66 Helicopter
Safety is a core design philosophy of Robinson helicopters.
Key Safety Features
Operating Cost of R-66 Helicopter
The R-66 is considered one of the most economical turbine helicopters to operate.
Estimated Hourly Operating Cost
| Expense Type |
Cost (USD/hour) |
| Fuel |
$180 – $220 |
| Maintenance |
$200 – $250 |
| Engine Reserves |
$150 – $180 |
| Total Estimated Cost |
$550 – $650 |
Maintenance & Overhaul
| Component |
Overhaul Interval |
| Engine |
2,000 hours |
| Airframe |
2,000 hours |
| Main Rotor System |
2,000 hours |
Robinson follows a time-based overhaul system, ensuring predictable maintenance costs.
Common Uses of the R-66 Helicopter
The R-66 is used across multiple industries:
R-66 vs Other Helicopters (Comparison Table)
Light Turbine Helicopter Comparison
| Helicopter |
Seats |
Engine |
Price (USD) |
| Robinson R-66 |
5 |
Single Turbine |
$1.2 – $1.7M |
| Bell 505 |
5 |
Single Turbine |
$1.4 – $1.6M |
| Airbus H125 |
5–6 |
Single Turbine |
$3.5 – $4.5M |
| Bell 407 |
6 |
Single Turbine |
$4.5 – $5.5M |
| Guimbal Cabri G2 |
2 |
Piston |
$400k – $500k |
R-66 vs Robinson R44
| Feature |
R-44 |
R-66 |
| Seats |
4 |
5 |
| Engine |
Piston |
Turbine |
| Fuel |
Avgas |
Jet-A |
| Price |
$400k – $600k |
$1.2M+ |
| Performance |
Moderate |
High |
Advantages of R-66 Helicopter
Why Choose the R-66?
✔ Affordable turbine helicopter
✔ Proven engine reliability
✔ Lower operating cost
✔ Excellent resale value
✔ Strong global support network
✔ Easy transition from R-44
Disadvantages of R-66 Helicopter
❌ Higher price than piston helicopters
❌ Not suitable for very heavy lifting
❌ Single-engine limitations
❌ Limited cabin size compared to large helicopters
Is the R-66 Worth Buying?
If you are looking for:
Then the Robinson R-66 is one of the best choices in its category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the R-66 good for beginners?
Yes, especially for pilots transitioning from the R-44 to turbine helicopters.
What fuel does R-66 use?
Jet-A aviation fuel.
How many people can sit in R-66?
Five people including the pilot.
Is R-66 suitable for charter?
Yes, widely used for charter and tourism.
Final Conclusion
The R-66 – 5 Seat Helicopter is a perfect balance between performance, price, and reliability. It offers turbine power at a cost that is far more accessible than larger helicopters, making it ideal for private owners, charter operators, and training organizations.
With its proven track record, strong resale value, and global acceptance, the R-66 continues to be one of the most successful light turbine helicopters in the aviation market.
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