Episode #120 - The all new R66 and R88: Verticon 2025 with Robinson Helicopter Co.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical
HeliCASTS!

In this exciting in-person episode, host Halsey Schider takes The
Helicopter Podcast to the pulsing heart of Verticon 2025, sitting
down with Robinson Helicopter Company’s CEO David Smith, and VP
of Engineering Sean Doyle.

The conversation ignites with the R66’s stunning transformation.
David and Sean unpack its bold upgrades—cutting-edge avionics, a
seamless 2-axis autopilot, and a trio of fresh options: the
affordable Southwood, the refined Palo Verde, and the
one-year-only Riviera special edition. It’s a pilot’s dream,
reimagined with flair and precision.

The spotlight then swings to the R88, Robinson’s brand-new
sensation unveiled at Verticon. David and Sean trace its path
from a spark of inspiration to the cusp of flight, teasing a
versatile, two-blade titan built for power, efficiency, and
flexibility for missions like utility, EMS, tours, and
firefighting across the globe. David shares his thrill at the
reveal, envisioning its impact worldwide, as well as deep
insights into safety innovations, like autopilot inputs to avoid
Low-G, that have never been applied or considered in two-bladed
helicopters before.

Join Halsey, David, and Sean for a front-row seat to Robinson’s
electrifying next chapter!

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America,
Robinson Helicopter and Hillsboro Heli Academy.