Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO) and Robinson Partner on R88 Manufacturing

USA – Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO) and Robinson Helicopter Company have established a manufacturing collaboration focused initially on sheet-metal tooling and production processes for the Robinson R88 helicopter.

• The R88 is a 10-seat helicopter configured for two pilots and up to eight passengers. Robinson reported more than 150 formal purchase deposits as of June 2026 and said FAA type certification remained targeted before the end of the decade.
• PIMCO is providing expertise in sheet-metal forming, tooling design and assembly for the R88, which Robinson describes as its largest and most complex aircraft program to date.
• The companies said their initial work has accelerated prototype development. Financial terms, production volumes, component quantities and delivery schedules were not disclosed.
• Representatives from both manufacturers will also exchange practices covering aircraft design, manufacturing processes and quality-control systems.
• The R88 is being developed for passenger transport, aerial firefighting, emergency medical services, public safety and utility operations. Its cabin includes a flat floor, two sliding side doors and a fold-down rear door supporting cargo and stretcher loading.
• The helicopter will use a Safran Arriel 2W engine, Garmin G500H TXi displays, GTN touchscreen navigators and a four-axis autopilot. Robinson has also selected suppliers for health and usage monitoring, aircraft connectivity and other operational systems.
• PIMCO was formed by Piper Aircraft in 2023 to provide contract-manufacturing and aerostructure services. Its capabilities include sheet-metal fabrication, CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, hydroforming, stretch forming and additive manufacturing. 

Statements

• “This collaboration exemplifies the strategic vision behind PIMCO. By extending our robust domestic supply chain and precision manufacturing capabilities to other leading aerospace OEMs, we help customers transition seamlessly from design intent to scalable, manufacturable solutions,” said John Calcagno, President and Chief Executive Officer of Piper Aircraft, Inc.
• “This is more than a tooling contract; it is a strategic alignment of manufacturing excellence. It proves that PIMCO can support complex aerospace programs with the agility, technical rigor, and quality assurance demanded by top-tier OEMs and government procurement standards,” added Calcagno.
• “Collaborating with PIMCO to advance American manufacturing is an important step for RHC. Their advanced and optimized metal forming processes are dramatically shortening the development cycle for the R88, our largest workhorse aircraft. Working alongside fellow OEMs will help us transition seamlessly from design to production and rapidly meet the massive global demand for our products," said David Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer at Robinson Helicopter Company.

Source: Piper Aircraft