P3 Completed 34 Flights In Sicily, Reaching An Overall 100 Flight Test Hours

In March 2019, Kopter transferred its third prototype (P3) aircraft and a team of 20 flight test engineers, pilots and mechanics to Sicily to set up an additional flight test base in Pozzallo.

Pozzallo provides the perfect operational conditions to conduct the SH09 intensive flight test campaign needed for certification. It offers very limited restrictions and favorable weather conditions throughout the year, while giving the opportunity to test the helicopter in a demanding climate with hot temperatures, high humidity, strong winds and a salty atmosphere.

Since its arrival and over a period of two months, the flight test crew has performed 34 flights with P3, allowing the aircraft to reach around 100 flight test hours. In this timeframe, the first major inspection has been carried out successfully.

The major outcome is the opening of the SH09 flight envelope up to 10,000 feet of altitude speeds up to 135 knots. During all flights, P3 performed as expected and generated a large volume of valuable data that are being used to finalize the design of the serial production SH09.

The next phase of the flight test campaign, after implementing some aerodynamic refinements further improving P3 handling qualities and the retrofit of the main gear box housing, will see P3 going higher, faster and further. It will allow gathering the remaining data needed to finalize the configuration of Pre-Series aircraft (PS4 & PS5), which will contribute to the certification flights next year.

Kopter continues to target 2020 for EASA certification. Kopter management and team are fully committed to deliver the SH09 with the highest levels of safety, performance, flight qualities and competitiveness.

(Image provided with Koptor Group news release. Image from company video)

FMI: www.koptorgroup.com