Flexcompute, Robinson Helicopter Announce CFD Partnership

During the 2025 AIAA Aviation Forum, Flexcompute announced a new partnership with Robinson Helicopter Co. to bring high-performance simulation to development of the new Robinson R88.

The R88 represents an expansion of Robinson's product portfolio. Designed for adaptability, it features a Safran Arriel 2W engine, a redesigned interior, and seating for two pilots and eight passengers. The R88 is engineered for simplified operation, simple maintenance, safety, and cost-efficiency. It is purpose-built to convert between roles—firefighting to air ambulance, utility work, or tourism.

Robinson is incorporating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) into its development process, using Flexcompute's Flow360 GPU-native platform to optimize cooling system performance and reduce reliance on manual testing.

Leveraging Flexcompute's CFD platform, Flow360, will enable Robinson with speed, accuracy and a workflow, to be able to refine key components, aerodynamics, or acoustics. This will help enable their goal of reaching reduced emissions, extended range, noise reduction, and increase the fidelity of new models such as R88 and new aircraft designs.

"The R88 is the most capable aircraft we've ever built. With Flow360, we're able to simulate key systems early, make better decisions faster, and bring that capability to market with confidence," says David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter.

"Robinson's expansion with the R88 comes at a pivotal time," says Vera Yang, president and co-founder of Flexcompute. "With Flow360, their engineering team gains fast, accurate insight into complex fluid dynamics, allowing them to design and validate performance early and move from concept to production-ready faster than ever."

This partnership is part of a larger effort under CEO David Smith, formerly of Bell Helicopter, who is leading Robinson's transition toward digital design tools to accelerate development and enhance performance and safety.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.