P3 Prototype Has Now Logged Over 40 Flight Hours In Its New Configuration

One year after completing the acquisition of the Swiss Company Kopter Group AG (Kopter), Leonardo has welcomed the SH09 single-engine helicopter as a full member of its product range by rebranding it as the AW09.

This step 'synergizes the two identities of Leonardo and Kopter.'

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters MD, said: “The product with the people and their skills were all important reasons for the acquisition of Kopter. As we make the Kopter team part of our family through the ongoing integration, we now have the latest addition to our product range fully identified with Leonardo, while preserving its invaluable distinguished features. With the AW09, we’re more than ever fully committed to pursuing a revolution in the single-engine market and setting an all-new standard.” 

The AW09 will continue to be developed by Kopter in Switzerland. The programme progresses further with the contribution of joint Leonardo-Kopter teams. The third prototype (P3) has now logged in excess of 40 flight hours in Switzerland since mid-January in its new configuration. This includes enhancements in the main rotor head, gearbox, an extended rotor mast and a new design of the flight controls, combined with a G3000H cockpit. All of this reportedly brings better flight characteristics, performance and ease of maintenance. The AW09 next prototype, PS4, is expected to fly this year, followed by the PS5.

FMI: https://koptergroup.com/