Rotorcraft
Highly-modified Kopter Begins Flight Testing
The flight test crew of a modified Kopter SH09 reported improved handling and stability.
The third prototype of Kopter's SH09 helicopter, equipped with multiple new components and systems, made its first flight this week. (Photo: Kopter)
The third prototype of Kopter's SH09 helicopter, equipped with multiple new components and systems, made its first flight this week. (Photo: Kopter)

Leonardo subsidiary Kopter reported today that it has begun flights of a modified SH09 test helicopter equipped with a bevy of new components, including rotor head, main gearbox, mast, and flight control configuration. The light turbine single prototype—dubbed P3—also features Garmin's G3000H integrated flight deck, marking the first time the system has been flown on a rotorcraft.

Swiss-based Kopter made the changes to P3 as part of a “planned product development roadmap towards the final type certificate certification.” The flight-test crew reported improved handling and stability through a series of low-speed maneuvers, including forward, rearward, and sideward flights, as well as spot turns at speeds up to 35 knots.

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