This comprises a modified main rotor head and new generation of motor blades, both of which were successfully tested at the end of 2019 on the company’s whirltower in Ennetmoos, Switzerland.

Now, the aircraft is smoother and more stable, making it even easier to fly

They have now been installed on a third prototype of the SH09 helicopter in Pozzallo where Kopter has a flight test base and performs most of its flight activities.

Kopter CTO, Michele Riccobono, commented on the results of the first flights: “The results of these first flights confirm our aircraft evolution roadmap is meeting the expectations and increase our confidence on the timely achievement of our product development targets.”

Richard Grant, Kopter Chief Test Pilot, also commented on the modifications: “These recent modifications have addressed some characteristics we wanted to improve. Now, the aircraft is smoother and more stable, making it even easier to fly.”

The modifications are part of a scheduled configuration evolution towards the final optimisation of the production aircraft. Kopter said that the next generation of main rotor blades is expected to improve the performance at high altitude and high weight.