Rotorcraft
Kopter Expected To Decide On U.S. Plant Soon
SH09 Attracts Attention From HEMS Operators
Kopter is showing a full-size mockup of the SH-09 with medical interior at the Air Medical Transport Conference in Phoenix. (Photo: Mark Huber)
Kopter is showing a full-size mockup of the SH-09 with medical interior at the Air Medical Transport Conference in Phoenix. (Photo: Mark Huber)

Swiss startup helicopter maker Kopter plans to decide on a location for its U.S. manufacturing facility and hopes to “start swinging shovels” early in 2019, senior vice president Larry Roberts told AIN this week at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Phoenix. He also said Kopter is looking at establishing a flight-training facility, most likely with an established industry partner, “probably somewhere between Dallas and Atlanta.” The company is continuing its flight-test program for the turbine single SH09, which it hopes to conclude next year and gain certification in 2020 or 2021.