Kopter AW09

Kopter Group AG

Company type	Private
Industry	Aerospace, Helicopter manufacturing
Founded	2007
Founder	Martin Stucki
Headquarters	Switzerland (Pfäffikon for design, Mollis for assembly and flight testing) , Switzerland
Area served	Global
Key people	Martin Stucki (Founder), Mathias Senes (Chief Commercial Officer)
Products	Leonardo AW09 (formerly Marenco Swisshelicopter SKYe SH09)
Number of employees	320 (2020)
Parent	Leonardo S.p.A.

Overview

The Kopter AW09, which has been rebranded as the Leonardo AW09, was previously known as the Marenco Swisshelicopter SKYe SH09 and Kopter SH09. This aircraft represents Leonardo's entry into the small civil helicopter segment, offering a single-engine, multirole design capable of seating between five and eight passengers. Development is ongoing at Kopter's facilities in Switzerland. Unlike many competitors in this category, the AW09 features a completely new design rather than relying on legacy airframes that have been in use for decades.

The prototype designated P1 completed its initial flight on 2 October 2014, followed by P2 in February 2016 and P3 in November 2018. The program has experienced repeated postponements affecting both prototype first flights and certification or commercial delivery timelines.

On 8 April 2020, Italian aerospace firm Leonardo finalized its acquisition of Kopter Group AG from Lynwood (Schweiz). The transaction was valued at $185 million plus additional earn-out payments. At the time of purchase, Kopter employed approximately 320 staff members.

Subsequently, on 21 April 2021, Leonardo announced the renaming of the SH09 single-engine helicopter to AW09.

History

The initial design work that eventually resulted in the SH09 was launched in 2002 by Martin Stucki, a mechanical engineer and experienced commercial helicopter pilot. Stucki, dissatisfied with outdated designs and typically cramped cockpits, recognized that the light single-engine helicopter sector had not introduced any entirely new models for many years. After conducting market analysis, he identified a promising opportunity for a rotorcraft in the 2.5-ton weight category. To advance this vision, he established Marenco Swisshelicopter in 2007—'Marenco' derived from 'Martin Engineering and Consulting'—to develop the aircraft.

The SH09 incorporated several contemporary innovations. Its structure is fully constructed from carbon composite materials, featuring a shrouded fenestron tail rotor and a cockpit designed for enhanced visibility. The use of carbon composites contributed to a notably low empty weight. Mathias Senes, Marenco's chief commercial officer, emphasized that no other material currently offers the combined advantages of stiffness, strength, and lightness. Stucki’s approach prioritized pilot-centric design elements, focusing on ergonomics, comfort, and operational needs. The helicopter delivers strong performance in hot and high conditions, extended flight endurance, reduced noise levels, and relatively smooth handling characteristics.

By 2009, sufficient investor funding was secured to officially launch the SH09 project; the designation SKYe SH09 was assigned to reflect the year development formally began. Initially, the project team comprised just nine individuals, with a focus on recruiting highly skilled engineers, including talent from established rotorcraft manufacturers like Airbus Helicopters. By 2016, the company had expanded to over 100 employees. Operations in Switzerland were divided between Pfäffikon—dedicated to design activities—and Mollis, where assembly and flight testing took place. Additionally, a facility in Germany managed compliance verification.

A pre-production prototype of the SH09 was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2011 in Orlando, Florida, marking its public debut. At that event, Marenco announced plans to commence deliveries by 2015 and anticipated producing up to 15 units during the first year with potential growth to 30 helicopters annually thereafter. While the initial powerplant selected was the Honeywell HTS900 turboshaft engine, there were intentions to offer customers alternative engine options in the near future.

In May 2016, representatives revealed that development efforts were underway for a twin-engine variant of the SH09. Later that year, Stucki confirmed that the original design included provisions allowing relatively straightforward adaptation into a twin-engine configuration.

In January 2018, the company underwent rebranding to become Kopter, simultaneously simplifying the helicopter’s name to SH09 by dropping the SKY-e suffix.

By February 2018, Kopter aimed to secure CHF 150 million in funding to support certification and transition into production targeted for late 2019. This sought capital addition followed CHF 270 million already invested since 2007 through backing from the Russian Mamut foundation.

Prototypes

The flight testing initiative involves three prototypes (P1, P2, and P3) alongside two Pre-Series Aircraft 4 and 5 (PS4 and PS5). Both PS4 and PS5 will be utilized collectively for certification flight procedures. The initial prototype, P1, was dedicated to completing the early stage of flight testing, validating the aircraft's control and stability, broadening the flight envelope, including conducting autorotation trials, and operating up to 97 percent of its maximum internal load takeoff capacity. Prototypes P2 and P3 serve as the primary platforms for airworthiness certification tests and are closer to production standards, featuring multiple design enhancements. The company intends to secure EASA certification first for the SH09 before promptly pursuing approval in the U.S.

P1

Marenco initially scheduled the maiden flight of P1 for early 2012 in March 2011. By December 2013, the fully assembled P1 was publicly displayed; however, its inaugural flight occurred later on 2 October 2014. This first sortie, piloted by chief test pilot Dwayne Williams, lasted approximately 20 minutes. At that point, the company anticipated obtaining EASA certification within a timeframe of 12 to 16 months. In mid-2015, after accumulating 100 flight hours, Marenco paused testing on P1 to concentrate efforts on developing the second prototype. The updated model featured a redesigned bearingless rotor head along with new rotor blades aimed at minimizing vibration levels. By September 2015, it became evident that the original development schedule had been somewhat optimistic. Additionally, delays in P1’s completion were attributed in part to a six-month postponement caused by late engine delivery from Honeywell.

P2

File:2019 Marenco Swisshelicopter SKYe SH09.jpg

HB-ZXB formerly Marenco Swisshelicopter

On 26 February 2016, the P2 prototype took to the skies for its maiden flight under the command of newly appointed chief test pilot Richard Trueman. At that stage, certification was anticipated to be secured by late 2016 or in early 2017.

P3

File:Kopter HB-ZXC 2021 03.jpg

Kopter HB-ZXC during a tethered test in 2021

By May 2016, reports indicated that Marenco was accelerating its flight testing program, targeting completion of the P3 prototype within the same year and aiming for type certification in 2017. The company had received 70 Letters of Intent by autumn 2015, increasing to 90 by spring 2016, with approximately half originating from North America. In September 2015, Marenco projected an annual production rate ranging between 40 and 100 helicopters.

In October 2016, Stucki announced plans to finalize P3 early in 2017, with certification expected sometime during 2018. Progress was hindered by the need to develop not only the helicopter itself but also ancillary equipment such as specialized testing tools. Ultimately, P3 completed its inaugural flight in November 2018.

PS4 & PS5

Kopter declared in January 2019 that PS4's first flight was scheduled for that year; however, by March 2021, the company revised this timeline, indicating PS4 would fly during the third quarter of 2021, with PS5 following several months afterward. As of January 2023, Kopter announced that PS4's initial flight was planned for the first quarter of that year, with PS5 expected to take flight later in 2023.

Type certification and commercial introduction

Back in March 2011, Marenco targeted 2015 for its initial deliveries. By May 2016, reports indicated that type certification was anticipated during 2017. Later, in October 2016, Stucki projected that certification would most likely be achieved in 2018. In January 2018, the company expressed optimism that the rotorcraft would commence operational service in 2019. At the 2018 Heli-Expo, Kopter revealed firm commitments for 23 units and 11 options valued at $119 million from customers including Norwegian Helitrans (12 firm orders plus 6 options), Elling Halvorson representing Rainier Heli Lift, Hawaiian operator Paradise Helicopters, and South African firm Safomar Aviation.

Design

The SH09 is categorized as a light to medium helicopter, originally designed to be powered by a single Honeywell HTS900 turboshaft engine. Its configuration includes a shrouded fenestron tail rotor and a main rotor with a five-bladed bearingless hub. The fenestron tail rotor features an increased diameter combined with a narrower chord to enhance airflow efficiency. Additional design elements such as a slender tail boom, swept-back tips on the main rotor blades, and the enclosed tail rotor contribute to noise reduction. The HTS900 engine delivers approximately 1,020 shaft horsepower and was selected to improve performance under hot and high conditions.

Constructed with a monocoque fuselage made from advanced composite materials, the SH09 is fitted with sliding doors on both sides and a rear clamshell door. It also incorporates floor-mounted windows positioned between the pilot seats to improve downward visibility. Some composite components have been manufactured using out-of-autoclave processes supplied by companies like TenCate and Gurit. Marenco has cited inspiration for the fuselage design from automotive industry principles. The company aimed to bring cabin space comparable to medium-sized twin-engine helicopters into the single-engine segment.

Various interior configurations are available for the SH09. The standard layout accommodates two pilots at the front and four passengers behind, with all seats adjustable both fore-and-aft and vertically. In a high-density seating arrangement, five passengers occupy the rear cabin while two additional seats are placed alongside the pilot’s position; this configuration eliminates the floor window option. The use of crashworthy fuel tanks reinforced with Kevlar, integrated into the cargo hold walls and floor, has allowed for fully adjustable passenger seating within the cabin. The cargo compartment is capable of holding up to ten baggage items, while fuel capacity supports nearly five hours of endurance. The rear clamshell door combined with a high-mounted tail boom was specifically designed to facilitate air ambulance operations.

The SH09 cockpit offers expansive visibility for pilots. Its avionics package includes an integrated glass cockpit suite—the ICDS-8A—manufactured by Sagem. The aircraft’s maintenance philosophy follows a condition-based approach rather than fixed time between overhaul (TBO) intervals for components such as the engine. Continuous monitoring is enabled through an onboard health and usage monitoring system (HUMS). Accessibility and ease of maintenance were key considerations during development to reduce overall upkeep expenses.

In January 2023, Leonardo announced that the helicopter would adopt the Safran Arriel 2K engine instead of the initially planned Honeywell powerplant.

Standard Model

The standard model is engineered to support a wide range of missions. Its intended applications include:

• Transporting passengers
• General utility tasks
• Emergency medical services (EMS)
• Security and law enforcement operations

Proteus UAS

Main article: Leonardo Proteus

In 2025, Leonardo introduced an unmanned aerial system largely based on the AW09 Kopter's design. This military drone is scheduled for its initial flight by mid-2025, following a design contract secured in June 2022.

Operational Record

At Heli-Expo 2016, it was revealed that Swiss operator Air Zermatt would be the inaugural customer for the SH09.

See also

• AgustaWestland AW119 Koala
• Bell 407
• Eurocopter EC130

External links

• Official Kopter AW09 website
• Leonardo AW09 product page