Capt. Afruni – Chief Test Pilot of Leonardo Helicopters – recently flew the SH09 Prototype 3 in Mollis.
He was impressed by the progress made on the helicopter – he flew the SH09 for the first time a year ago when Leonardo was assessing the acquisition of Kopter.
After making several flights, testing the agility, handling qualities and power reserve of the SH09 mainly at low speed condition but also at higher altitude, he concluded:
“The helicopter is very easy and very nice to fly … and therefore it is a confirmation from that point of view that the helicopter is certainly on the good road for performing as expected for the market of the single engine… I am very optimistic on the future of this new helicopter.»
Watch the full video to learn more about Capt. Afruni’s experience:
Right after these flights, P3 underwent an important retrofit including the installation of the Garmin G3000H avionics and of the final main rotor flight control system. The aircraft is now ready to resume the testing activities. More to come in early 2021!…
