Kopter prototype enters next phase of development

Kopter Group has announced that its SH09 prototype has entered the next phase of its development, gaining the necessary clearance and regulatory compliance to begin flight tests.

This is the third iteration of the prototype, and Kopter says that it incorporates improvements and modifications based on feedback from the previous two models.

The prototype flew around Mollis Airfield in Switzerland for 40 minutes, completing a number of manoeuvres to help obtain preliminary flight data, validating test design features and evaluating flight qualities.

“P3 demonstrated excellent handling characteristics today, I expect Kopter to make rapid progress in development of the SH09,” said Richard Trueman, Kopter’s Chief Test Pilot, after the flight.

The prototype will continue its development by performing an intensive flight test campaign in Sicily, whilst the Mollis team will finalise preparation on the fourth prototype, which it hopes will also go to Sicily.

“I am proud of the Kopter team and its ability to develop the next-generation single engine rotorcraft,” said Andreas Lowenstein, Kopter’s CEO. “With P3 we are set on the path towards delivery to our customers. We have seen a tremendous response from the market for the SH09, which offers the highest standards of safety, mission capability and cost efficiency, which our customers are asking for.”