Since the resumption of test flight activities in June in Pozzallo, Sicily, Kopter's third SH09 prototype (P3) has completed 40 flights, allowing testing of multiple aerodynamic modifications and configurations. The current configuration fitted on P3 has seen a significant improvement in smoothness and stability.

Recent upgrades include an engine cowling extension for improved aerodynamics, a variable asymmetric tail plane at the best available incidence, the removal of the end plates and a larger upper vertical fin, improving stability.

Chief test pilot Richard Grant says: “P3 returns to Mollis a very different aircraft. The changes that have been implemented this year have made a real improvement to the handling of the aircraft. Now we are able to further expand the envelope and start to realise the aircraft's true potential.”

This most recent block of flight tests has been the most productive in terms of the number of modifications assessed and the general improvements realised. Early analysis and observations confirm the validity of the new design concepts. This achievement is a result of the work of all teams involved, utilising the analysis and feedback from all the previous flight test blocks of P3. The SH09 is more and more reaching the planned overall performance and capabilities as development moves ahead.

For the next chapter in the SH09 evolution, P3 is going back to Kopter's facility in Mollis, Switzerland; the upcoming upgrades require strong support from the engineering and operations teams. On return to Mollis, the test priorities are to explore the capabilities of the new tail rotor and the recent aerodynamic modifications throughout the low speed envelope. Kopter will then proceed with the upgrade to Garmin avionics and then of the final main rotor head and flight controls.

The OEM will share images of its P3 flying in its home environment, as well as the first results of this new flight test phase, in the coming weeks.