Marenco Swisshelicopter has completed the prototype for its eight-seat SKYe SH09 helicopter, which the company first announced at Heli-Expo in 2012. The new prototype was unveiled last week at a special event at the Mollis Airport in Mollis, Switzerland, about 33 nm southeast of Zurich.
The SKYe promises exceptional visibility with a cockpit fully enclosed by windows, including the floor between the two front seats. “Our prospects and clients will witness our commitment to quality and will certainly value what we meant by High Visibility Cockpit,” said Marenco Swisshelicopter’s commercial director, Mathias Senes.
Photo by Frédéric Vergneres| In addition to the high visibility, access to the helicopter is made easier with dual clamshell doors that should make the SKYe a good platform for evacuation and medical transport services. The rear entry also allows passengers to enter upright under the tailboom without fear of a rotor blade or tail rotor strike. The SH09 is designed with a shrouded tail rotor.
The company expects the new helicopter to cruise at 140 knots as far as 430 nautical miles with standard fuel tanks. The maximum takeoff weight with an internal load is targeted at 5,842 pounds. With an external load that number rises to 6,170 pounds, with a maximum sling load capacity of 3,300 pounds. A 1,020 shaft horsepower Honeywell HTS-900-2 engine will power the SKYe SH09. Marenco expects to fly the new prototype in the first quarter of 2014.
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