Helicopter Investor

SH09 third prototype achieved several “firsts”

by · October 26

22 October 2020 – Flight test activities have fully resumed at Mollis, Switzerland, having reassembled the third SH09 prototype (P3) after its return from Pozzallo.

The flights at Mollis mainly concentrated on testing the new tail rotor and aerodynamic modifications for improved handling in the low speed envelope. Flights at altitude, in the local area, evaluated the handling characteristics at higher speeds and in autorotation.

During these flights we have been able to achieve several firsts for the SH09.  Notably, the first flight at the maximum permissible take-off weight for P3 and for the first time the aircraft has been to 35 knots in sideways flight.

Watch the company’s video at: https://youtu.be/zSwkLfhluNI

Next step is to proceed with the upgrade to Garmin avionics and install the final main rotor flight control system.

Tags:

Terry Spruce

Terry is Senior News Editor and writes for both Corporate Jet Investor and Helicopter Investor. He is also responsible for our helicopter guides. Terry has been an aviation enthusiast since the early 1970s. He is a lapsed Private Pilot and ex-Piper Cherokee owner. He has flown a number of light aircraft and is comfortable sitting in the co-pilot's seat or the back of any aircraft. Before moving to journalism he was a banker for 20 years. You can contact him at: terry@corporatejetinvestor.com or follow him on twitter @Terry_Spruce

You may also like...