Marenco Swisshelicopter (MSH) is in the final stages of completing the third prototype of its all-composite SKYe SH09 light-single helicopter. Dubbed P3, the rotorcraft will soon join the second prototype in the EASA certification process and is in a production-representative configuration. It is expected to fly around the end of the year, with certification scheduled for late 2017.
Following on from the first prototype, P1, which was essentially a proof-of-concept machine that took to the air in January 2014, P2 has been flying since February 26, and initial reports from chief test pilot Richard Trueman have been positive. Thus far, the flight-test campaign took P2 to the extent of its permit-to-fly restrictions of 120 knots and 3,000 feet, with future tests progressing to the never-exceed speed of 155 knots and to 7,000 feet.
MSH developed the SKYe SH09 to take on the "heavyweight" OEMs in the single-engine market, claiming its design offers performance improvements and greater versatility than its principal rivals. The helicopter is powered by a single Honeywell HTS900-2 turbine, and its maximum takeoff weight is 5,842 pounds, or 6,170 pounds with an underslung load. Its carbon composite airframe provides accommodation for a pilot and up to seven passengers, all on independent crashworthy seats, and a versatile space for other duties. The craft features a five-blade carbon main rotor, MSH’s “Maestro” shrouded tail rotor, dual hydraulic and electrical systems and a Sagem glass cockpit.
Initially, MSH has marketed the SKYe SH09 close to home in Europe, primarily so that it can give maximum support to early customers. The company has already received letters of intent for 90 aircraft, with Air Zermatt the launch customer. With the Americas seen as a key market for the type, MSH has already participated at several Heli-Expo events and made its Helitech debut in Europe this week.
In the meantime, in August the company broke ground on a 43,000-sq-ft (4,000-sq-m) assembly hall at Mollis airfield in the Swiss canton of Glarus. The facility is to be completed by the end of next year, and is expected to produce around 10 helicopters in its first year of operation. Part of MSH’s strategic plan for the SKYe SH09 is to eventually establish additional factories overseas to satisfy potential demand in the Americas and elsewhere. The company also plans to develop a twin-engine helicopter.