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Kopter (Marenco SwissHelicopter) SKYe SH09

2021 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

History

The SKYe SH09 is a developmental, low-cost, light, multi-purpose helicopter from the Swiss company Marenco SwissHelicopter. The company aims to capitalize on the growing light helicopter market, with several long-standing competitors set to reach their useful operational lifespans within the current decade. With the program launched in 2007, the SH09 was first shown in mock-up form at the 2011 Heli-Expo, with the first prototype arriving quickly in November 2013.

To date (January 2014), the company has recorded orders for 48 units. Ground testing is expected to begin in January 2014, with certification targeted for 2015.

The SH09 is based on a 1,020 hp US Honeywell Aerospace HTS900 series turboshaft engine driving a five-blade composite main rotor assembly and a multi-blade ducted tail rotor. The main rotor is 36 feet in diameter. The tail rotor is powered by a shaft passing through an elongated shaft. The stem also houses a horizontal plane that contains a pair of vertical rudders. The SH09 has a very smooth, almost diamond-shaped profile, with plenty of glaze on the front and sides.

The basic interior configuration allows for two side-by-side primary crew and passenger seats (also side-by-side) in the cabin aft of the cockpit and forward/below the cabin. During the design phase of the SH09, particular attention was paid to the view from the cockpit, resulting in a front windshield, a transparent floor and large windows on the sides of the fuselage.

Sliding doors allow access to the cabin from both sides of the fuselage, while each pilot also has individual boarding and exit doors. The rear of the fuselage features clamshell access. The helicopter uses a fixed skid landing gear attached directly to the fuselage at two main points of support.

Reported performance specs include a cruising speed of 170 mph and a range of up to 500 miles (430 nmi).

The SKYe SH09 will certainly have a place in the commercial market as a VIP transporter, but its military value remains to be seen.