Texas-based M1 Support Services has entered into a partnership with Robinson Helicopter Company to offer the R66 helicopter system for the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next program. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the Army’s aviation training capabilities as the military moves away from its aging Black Hawk and Apache fleets.
The R66 is poised to replace older training helicopters like the UH-72 Lakota, which have been in service since the early 2000s. M1 Support Services emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that integrates advanced training tools, including AI-enabled virtual environments, into the learning process for pilots. This innovative approach aims to enhance the training experience and expedite skill acquisition among military aviators.
M1’s extensive expertise in management, utility, and maintenance services will support the R66. The company boasts an impressive capacity to “schedule, launch, recover, and maintain hundreds of aircraft daily,” which will be crucial in ensuring optimal training conditions for Army pilots.
Currently, there are more than 1,900 R66 units in use across military and civil flight programs. According to George Krivo, CEO of M1 Support Services, “Our holistic solution for Flight School Next features innovative training and simulation technologies that are truly transformative.” He further stated that M1 aims to deliver high-quality pilot training while keeping costs manageable for its partners.
The Flight School Next initiative has attracted attention from multiple aviation companies. In addition to M1 and Robinson, firms like Bell Flight with its 505 Jet Ranger X, MD Helicopters with the 530F, Boeing and Leonardo with the AW119T, and Enstrom Helicopter with its 480B are also linked to this evolving training paradigm.
The Robinson R66 helicopter itself has notable attributes that make it suitable for training purposes. It can carry up to four passengers or around 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) of external payload. Measuring 30 feet (9 meters) in length with a rotor diameter of 33 feet (10 meters), the helicopter has an empty weight of 1,290 pounds (585 kilograms).
Equipped for training, the R66 features a 4K cockpit video camera, Garmin G500H TXi and GTN750 touchscreen flight displays, and other safety elements, including impact-resistant windshields and crash-resistant fuel cells. Its compatibility with night vision goggles further enhances its training capabilities.
Under the hood, the R66 is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, generating approximately 270 horsepower. This enables the helicopter to reach a maximum speed of 140 knots (about 161 miles or 259 kilometers per hour), with a range of 350 nautical miles (403 miles or 648 kilometers) and an operational ceiling of 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). Notably, around 85 percent of the helicopter’s components are produced at Robinson’s Torrance, California facility, ensuring quality and consistency in production.
