Swiss Firm To Unveil Light Single Helo at Heli-Expo

A new would-be helicopter manufacturer, Marenco Swisshelicopter, will introduce its SKYe SH09 light single next week in Orlando, Fla., at Heli-Expo next week. Powered by a Fadec-controlled Honeywell HTS900 turboshaft, the newcomer will be shown as a full-size mockup at the show. The first prototype is being built near Zurich, Switzerland, and first flight is planned for next year. The 5,500-pound-class five- to eight-seat SH09 will feature a shrouded tail rotor, flat-floor cabin and clamshell doors. It targets a cruise speed of 145 knots, and maximum range with standard fuel tanks is expected to be 430 nm. The glass cockpit will include “advanced flight systems that have been proved in the business-jet industry.” The bearing-free main rotor will have five blades, an unusually high number for this class of rotorcraft. Promised is “extremely low noise,” both inside the cabin and externally. AIN understands that Marenco Swisshelicopter’s parent is Marenco, a company specializing in engineering services since 1997.