Next-Generation Light Helicopters: A Closer Look At The R88, H140, And AW09

Bucking the trend of recent years, this year’s Verticon, held in Dallas, Texas, saw two major helicopter manufacturers stake their case for the future of light, multi-mission helicopters, with one of them in particular introducing its largest helicopter to date.

Although Airbus introduced its new H140 light twin, an upgraded model based on the existing H135, it was Robinson Helicopter Company introducing its R88 that really stole the show.

Robinson, based in Torrance, California, made its name manufacturing small piston engine helicopters such as the R22 and R44, although in recent years has been progressively increasing its market share in the small turbine sector with its R66, culminating at Verticon with the introduction of the R88.

Robinson unveiled the release of its first new helicopter in almost 15 years, the R88. The new ten-seater single-engine helicopter is powered by a 1,000 hp Safran Arriel 2W engine, with an internal payload accommodating over 2,800 pounds. It delivers 3.5 hours of f light time as well as more than 350 nautical miles of range. The aircraft will contain Garmin G500H glass-panel avionics, dual cyclic controls, and comes with a standard four-axis autopilot.

One of the standout features of the R88 is that it will be the largest single-turbine engine in production, effectively offering the performance of a small twin-engine helicopter minus one engine, enhancing its versatility and operational efficiency. The R88 is designed for a wide range of missions, including aerial f irefighting, emergency medical services, utility work, and passenger transport. Its ability to carry more passengers, cargo, and specialized equipment compared to previous Robinson models marks a significant advancement in multi-mission utility capabilities

“Although final specifications and performance figures have yet to be announced, the R88 is clearly positioned in the most competitive Light Single sector, and will be competing with some of the most proven helicopters in the market, including the highly popular Airbus AS350/H125,”

which has been the best-selling turbine helicopter in recent years. Unlike the R66 which is mainly a utility helicopter, the R88 is targeted at corporate, commercial and government operators for specific missions such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or law enforcement

With Robinson’s strong reputation and proven track record in manufacturing and supporting small piston and turbine helicopters, the R88 could appeal to existing Robinson customers looking to upgrade or supplement their fleets with a larger type. The R88 also has potential to replace ageing Single Engine types including the AS350 and Bell 206. Robinson is a proven OEM in Asia-Pacific, with its R22, R44 and R66 helicopters operating across the region, including around 150 R66s. With the Light Single category being the most popular amongst Asia-Pacific operators with a fleet of over 2,100 at the end of 2024, there is certainly much potential for the R88 in the region.

The Airbus H140 is another noteworthy addition to the helicopter market, classified as a Light Twin accommodating up to six passengers. As a growth variant of the popular H135, the H140 features an enlarged cabin that provides greater comfort and capacity. It also boasts a higher cruising speed and improved flight characteristics due to innovations such as the fenestron tail rotor and a five-blade main rotor. The tail rotor contributes to improved safety, performance, and noise reduction whilst the blades are directly mounted to the mast, making the system simpler, lighter, and easier to maintain than the original rotor system.

Powered by the Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engine, to complement the f ive-bladed rotor, the H140 offers the best payload and range in its class. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of around 130 knots and a range of approximately 600 nautical miles, making it ideal for various operational requirements, including air ambulance services, equipped to transport patients quickly and safely.

The H140 is positioned between the H135 and larger H145, both of which are most renowned for efficiency in EMS operations, as well as in law enforcement and as corporate transport. These will no doubt be the target sectors for the new H140. While there has been no announcement that production of the H135 will cease, the H140 could replace the H135 as Airbus’ smallest Light Twin helicopter sometime in the 2030s.

Both the H135 and H145 are popular models in Asia-Pacific, with yearend 2024 fleets of 171 and 221 in commercial service, respectively. With commonality to the current Airbus models, the H140 would be a natural fit for existing operators, particularly in the EMS role, in which the H140 will enter the market during 2028.

One other newcomer to the small turbine engine sector is the Leonardo AW09. Leonardo launched the single-engine AW09 in 2021 with the acquisition of the Kopter SH09 program. The AW09 is the first all-new design in its weight class for more than 30 years, combining unrivalled versatility and safety in its category. The helicopter can accommodate up to eight passengers, and its spacious cabin and innovative design cater to various missions, including passenger transport, medical evacuation, and utility operations. Powered by the Safran Arriel 2K engine, the latest version of the proven Arriel family, granting efficient and safe operations in the most demanding conditions. It has a maximum speed of approximately 135 knots and a range of about 430 nautical miles, along with an endurance of five hours.

The AW09 is equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G3000H integrated flight deck. The advanced system enhances situational awareness for pilots and includes built-in connectivity features, ensuring that operators have the latest tools at its disposal for safe and efficient flight operations.

While the prototype first flew back in October 2014 as the Kopter SH09, the type has yet to enter service following numerous certification delays, including a change of engine choice in January 2023. The original Honeywell HTS900 was replaced by the Safran Arriel 2K, further extending the flight testing and certification phase.

The clean sheet AW09 is positioned towards the top end of the Light Single sector in terms of capacity and performance, which means it competes in both the Single engine and Light Twin categories. It features more cabin space (for up to eight passengers) and higher weights (maximum take-off weight of 3,000 kg) than the H125 and Bell 407, as well as convenient cabin access through the rear clamshell doors, a feature preferred for EMS operations which is normally available only on larger helicopters.

While much of the focus on new helicopter types have come from the Medium and Super Medium categories, the Single and Light Twin sectors will likely see much more activity from the late 2020s and into the next decade with these new models entering service, replacement cycles and new market opportunities.