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Flexcompute and Robinson Helicopter Join Forces for the All-New R88 Development

At the recent AIAA Aviation Forum, held on July 21, 2025, a significant partnership was unveiled between Flexcompute and Robinson Helicopter Company to enhance the development of the all-new R88 helicopter through high-performance simulation. This collaboration aims to incorporate state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology into the design process, ensuring that the R88 maintains its edge in versatility and operational adaptability.

The R88: A New Era in Helicopter Design

The R88 helicopter represents an ambitious addition to Robinson's evolving product lineup. Designed with an eye towards multifunctionality, this aircraft is equipped with a robust Safran Arriel 2W engine and features a completely overhauled interior, capable of accommodating two pilots and eight passengers. The R88 is engineered for efficiency and ease of operation, boasting robust safety features and cost-effective maintenance, making it suitable for various applications such as firefighting, medical evacuation, utility operations, and tourism.

Advancements Through CFD Technology

With this partnership, Robinson Helicopter will utilize Flexcompute's Flow360, a GPU-native CFD platform that accelerates simulation processes significantly. By using Flow360, Robinson engineers can optimize the helicopter’s cooling systems while minimizing the need for manual testing. This cutting-edge technology allows for rapid and precise assessment of aerodynamics, acoustics, and other crucial elements of aircraft design.

"The R88 is the most capable aircraft we've ever constructed. Flow360 enables us to simulate essential systems early in the development cycle, allowing for quicker and more informed decision-making, leading to a more confident market introduction," stated David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.

A Modern Approach to Aircraft Development

As Vera Yang, President and Co-Founder of Flexcompute, articulated, this partnership is a vital step forward, providing Robinson’s engineering team with immediate insights into complex fluid dynamics. With this capability, designs can be validated much earlier in the process, expediting the transition from concept to production-ready status.

This collaboration cannot be looked at in isolation; it's part of a broader modernization initiative led by David Smith, who formerly worked with Bell Helicopter. Smith's leadership is pushing Robinson towards integrating digital design tools that not only speed up development timelines but also elevate performance and safety standards.

Flexcompute's Background and Mission

Flexcompute is recognized as an authority in high-performance CFD simulation solutions across multiple industries, including aviation, automotive, and aerospace. The company’s Flow360 technology offers dramatic speed improvements, producing simulation results up to 100 times faster than conventional CFD solutions. This is all made possible thanks to a talented team of CFD specialists, which includes over 60 PhDs with extensive aerospace expertise. Flexcompute's commitment is to simplify software innovation, making it as manageable as hardware through advanced physics insights.

To learn more about their solutions and advances in simulation technology, visit Flexcompute.com.

Trust in Robinson Helicopter Company

Over fifty years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been a pioneer in advancing helicopter technology. With innovative safety features including crash-resistant fuel cells and NVG-compatible cockpits, the company remains devoted to designing, manufacturing, and supporting the most efficient and reliable helicopters in the market today. For further details, navigate to robinsonheli.com.

In summary, the partnership between Flexcompute and Robinson Helicopter is set to revolutionize the way helicopters like the R88 are designed and developed, offering increased efficiency and reliability in a rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.