Kopter Group has started to actively promote its SH09 helicopter in Brazil by appointing Gualter Helicopteros as sales representative and distributor.

The partnership between the two companies was signed on the first day of the LABACE 2019 exhibition, which is taking place in Sao Paolo from 13-15 August. Christian Gras, Kopter executive VP customers, says: “With more than 30 years of experience in the helicopter business and having introduced several helicopter models in the Brazilian market, Gualter Helicopteros is the right partner to ensure the success of the SH09 in Brazil. The team has an impressive track record, having sold over 600 new and used helicopters on the Brazilian and South American markets.”

Brazil, which has a solid aeronautical tradition and is the world third largest aircraft industry, today counts more than 1,800 helicopters in operations, including a large number of single engine models.

The SH09 will be fitted with a seven-seat configuration (five passengers and two pilots) developed and installed by Metro Aviation. The mock-up will also feature the Garmin G3000H, an avionics suite for which Kopter is the launch customer. The G3000H will be integrated in the SH09 from the very first delivery. It is expected to significantly reduce pilot workload, increase situational awareness and boost the aircraft's operational safety margins.

The multi-role SH09 helicopter is considered to be a highly adaptive and versatile platform to transport passengers with high levels of safety, comfort and visibility. Its large cabin offers both volume and flexibility, and can be configured to a variety of layouts with good legroom and luggage capacity. Luggage can be added through the aircraft's rear clamshell doors. The SH09 also features a five-blade rotor and a shrouded rear tail rotor. Seventy units have been ordered so far, with a further 100 LOIs in the pipeline.