Robinson has unveiled its R66-based TH-66 Sage for the U.S. Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing programme at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (Quad A) in Nashville, setting out its stall as a contender for the Flight School Next programme. Earlier this year, the U.S. Army announced that the Helicopter Institute-led Team CTI had been contracted to provide FAA Part 141 training, which would see candidates trained to FAA PPL(H)/IR standards before they transitioned to military-specific flight training. The Team CTI will use the TH-66 for its programme.
That announcement came against the background of a service looking to overhaul its pilot training programme and the announcement of a Request For Information (RFI) for the Flight School Next, which calls for up to 225 IFR-capable turbine single-engine helicopters to be delivered over four years to replace the UH-72 as the Army’s ab initio training aircraft. The RFI also states that the Army is open to transitioning from the current government-owned/contractor-operated fleet to a contractor-owned and operated solution, adding a further dimension to the competition.
In its offering, Robinson is highlighting the TH-66/R66’s lower acquisition and direct operating costs compared to its competitors. It also makes much of the company’s vertical integration and aircraft made in the USA credentials, which have acquired greater significance in recent months, noting that “more than 85% of the aircraft’s parts” are made at the company’s factory in Torrance.
“The R66 embodies American-made readiness, built with reliability, quality, and durability at its core, and we are committed to providing seamless American-made support,” said David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Pilots worldwide learn critical power management skills and achieve true flight readiness in a Robinson aircraft. This foundation prepares them exceptionally well for future operational demands.”
Image: Robinson
