National Airways Corporation (NAC) is delighted to announce that they are the first in Africa to deliver the larger and more commanding turbine powered Robinson R66.
Say’s NAC’s Executive Director Helicopter Sales, Gary Phillips, ”The Robinson R66 incorporates many of the design features of the R44, including the two-bladed rotor system (main and tail), T-bar cyclic and an open interior cabin configuration. Powered by the Rolls-Royce RR- 330 turbo shaft engine, which was specifically designed for the R66, it is not surprising that notable differences between the R66 and R44 are the R66’s increased reserve power, improved altitude performance, fifth seat and larger baggage compartment.
This first delivery of the Robinson R66 also marks the first delivery on the African continent. With many more R66 deliveries scheduled for the remainder of this year, NAC hopes to assist with Robinson Helicopters’ record of more helicopters sold than all the other manufacturers combined,” concludes Gary.
Commenting on the announcement, strategy director for Imperial Holdings, Tak Hiemstra, said: “NAC’s delivery of the Robinson R66 is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to securing the best new products in the industry for its customers. As a major shareholder, Imperial Holdings is fully supportive of NAC’s strategy and proud to be associated with this professional aviation company.”
Robinson R66 features:
Popular upgrades include HID landing lights and creature comforts such as leather seats and a stereo audio control panel, which are standard on the type. Also standard are a ‘seven-hole’ panel for engine and flight instrumentation with an optional pilot’s avionics console to the right.
Tipping the scales at a gross weight of 1 225kg, it has an empty weight (including oil and standard avionics) of 581kg. Its maximum fuel load is just over 278 litres or 224kg and with full tanks, leaves 420kg’s for passengers and baggage. Its cruise speed is a sprightly 120 knots and the R66 has a maximum range of about 325 nautical miles without reserves.
Capable of hovering in ground effect up to 10 000 feet and with a hover ceiling out of ground effect above that level, the R66 has a maximum operating altitude of 14 000 feet with a rate of climb at sea level of over 1 000 feet per minute.
From the tip of its nose to the end of its tail rotor protection skid, it measures a fraction under nine metres and it has a main rotor diameter of 5,08 metres with a tail rotor diameter of 1,52 metres. From the bottom of its skids to the top of its rotor head, it measures 3,47 metres. The fuselage has a maximum outside width of 1,47 metres and its skids spread over 2,28 metres.
With all these features it is not surprising that customer interest has been very high, and a number of orders have been taken.
