Kopter Group Ag

Leonardo will fly its latest AW09 single turbine engine prototype with Safran's Arriel 2K engine.

In efforts to assess helicopter hybrid propulsion, Leonardo has selected its single engine AW09 on which to build its hybrid prototype.

With AW09 service entry projected for early 2024, Leonardo is making plans to work on a hybrid-electric helicopter in the second half of the decade.

The Kopter prototype was retrofitted with new rotor components, Garmin G3000H avionics.

The flight test crew of a modified Kopter SH09 reported improved handling and stability.

Leonardo subsidiary Kopter said flight testing of the third SH09 light helicopter prototype restarted in Pozzallo, Italy, after a Covid-incuded pause.

Leonardo pays $185 million for Kopter, as well as bonuses to owner Lynwood if certain milestones are met over the life of Kopter’s SH09 program.

Kopter called receipt of Swiss production organization approval a key step that will enable it ramp up production on the light-single SH09.

Leonardo Buys Swiss Helicopter Manufacturer Kopter - AIN

Leonardo has purchased Swiss OEM Kopter, which expects to certify its long-single SH09 by the end of this year.