The Kopter flight test crew has successfully performed a series of flight tests with the newly-fitted and improved main gear box (MGB) casing on its SH09 Prototype 3 (P3).

The flights performed with the retrofitted gearbox have confirmed the hopes and expectations of Kopter engineers and crew: the new MGB runs more smoothly, is quieter and its enhanced capabilities to sustain flight loads enable the exploration of a wider envelope in terms of aircraft payloads and overall performance.

The new MGB has been tested in conjunction with different combinations of aerodynamic modifications aimed to further improve the handling qualities and performance of the SH09. The results of these tests will contribute to finalising the design configuration of Pre-Series Aircraft 4 and 5, which will jointly serve for the certification flights scheduled next year.

P3 has now been handed over to the Kopter maintenance team for a planned inspection and will resume flights within the next three weeks.