Curti/Zefhir Welcome You To Oshkosh -- And A Chance To See The Zefhir In Person at OSH Display #311

On June 22nd, 2018, the Zefhir light turbine helicopter successfully completed the first test of its exclusive parachute safety system when the technology was dramatically demonstrated.

Zefhir is currently the only civil  helicopter equipped with a ballistic parachute. Installed above the main rotor, the parachute is designed as a backup for conditions where autorotation cannot be performed. The landmark test has validated the use of ballistic parachute safety systems in helicopters for the first time.

Indeed, such a test has never been filmed or documented in the entire history of aerospace technology.

The two place Zefhir is being introduced to the US at Oshkosh this week, and will be powered by a PBS TS100 turbine engine. Long-time aerospace manufacturer, Curti Aerospace, plans to introduce the Zefhir, first as a kit, and then to eventually offer a certificated helicopter thereafter.

A 100 mph cruise speed and a max takeoff weight of 1322 pounds allow for a HOGE (Hover Out of Ground Effect) of over 13,000 feet and a max range of either 172 nm or 344 nm (with optional tankage).

Did-Ya-Know? Cool Facts About The Curti Zefhir

• Curti Aerospace Says, "We couldn’t find it on the market, so we built it ourselves."
• The Zefhir helicopter adheres to CS-27 requirements even as a two-seater helicopter.
• The turboshaft engine comes with a digital electronic control (FADEC) so that the pilot can concentrate on the flight controls
• During a test deployment of the parachute, it was completely open after 6 seconds from the ejection command.
• The parachute system is likely to achieve its goal of saving lives, even at a lower altitude of just 150m.
• The Zefhir offers up to 700 kg Maximum Take-off Weight.
• Zefhir has a maximum speed of over 100 knots and a cruising speed of 87 knots.
• The powerplant has a maximum power of 180 kW (241 shp) but is engineered to deliver constant continuous power at 105 kW (141 shp).
• Curti Company has decades of experience in the production of complex parts for certified helicopters.
• The carbon fiber airframe delivers high resistance, low weight, optimized aerodynamics, the largest luggage space in its category.

FMI: https://www.zefhir.eu/, Oshkosh Display Area #311