Helis, April 16, 2026 - Switzerland – The AW09 helicopter has successfully completed its longest flight ever, marking a major milestone for Kopter Group AG in the aircraft’s development program.
During the mission, the flight test crew conducted a non-stop flight lasting 4 hours and 50 minutes, setting a new endurance benchmark for the AW09. The flight took place over the Swiss Alps, offering exceptional visibility, including views of the iconic Matterhorn.
This achievement demonstrates the helicopter’s endurance, efficiency, and operational capabilities under real-flight conditions.
The mission was carried out as part of the Function & Reliability Test campaign, a key phase aimed at validating the helicopter’s systems, durability, and overall performance. The extended flight provided valuable data while confirming stable and efficient operation throughout the mission.
“This achievement highlights the maturity of the AW09 program and confirms the robustness of its design and capabilities,” the company stated.
The successful completion of this record-setting flight marks another important step toward entry into service, reinforcing confidence in the AW09 as a next-generation single-engine helicopter.
The AW09 helicopter (formerly the Kopter SH09) is a single-engine helicopter developed by Kopter Group AG in Switzerland.
The aircraft features an all-composite airframe designed to reduce weight while maintaining structural strength. It is equipped with a five-blade main rotor and a shrouded tail rotor, configurations intended to reduce noise and vibration and improve operational safety.
The AW09 is powered by a Safran Arriel 2K engine. It is designed to operate in a range of environmental conditions, including high-altitude and high-temperature environments, with a reported cruise speed of approximately 260 km/h.
The cabin is designed with a flat floor and can accommodate up to eight passengers, depending on configuration. It can be adapted for various mission profiles, including passenger transport and emergency medical services (EMS), with rear clamshell doors allowing stretcher loading.
The cockpit is equipped with a Garmin G3000H avionics suite, supporting advanced flight displays and compatibility with night vision goggles (NVG).
Following the acquisition of Kopter by Leonardo S.p.A. in 2020, the program has progressed toward certification and entry into service.
During the mission, the flight test crew conducted a non-stop flight lasting 4 hours and 50 minutes, setting a new endurance benchmark for the AW09. The flight took place over the Swiss Alps, offering exceptional visibility, including views of the iconic Matterhorn.
This achievement demonstrates the helicopter’s endurance, efficiency, and operational capabilities under real-flight conditions.
The mission was carried out as part of the Function & Reliability Test campaign, a key phase aimed at validating the helicopter’s systems, durability, and overall performance. The extended flight provided valuable data while confirming stable and efficient operation throughout the mission.
“This achievement highlights the maturity of the AW09 program and confirms the robustness of its design and capabilities,” the company stated.
The successful completion of this record-setting flight marks another important step toward entry into service, reinforcing confidence in the AW09 as a next-generation single-engine helicopter.
Leonardo AW09 Helicopter
The AW09 helicopter (formerly the Kopter SH09) is a single-engine helicopter developed by Kopter Group AG in Switzerland.
The aircraft features an all-composite airframe designed to reduce weight while maintaining structural strength. It is equipped with a five-blade main rotor and a shrouded tail rotor, configurations intended to reduce noise and vibration and improve operational safety.
The AW09 is powered by a Safran Arriel 2K engine. It is designed to operate in a range of environmental conditions, including high-altitude and high-temperature environments, with a reported cruise speed of approximately 260 km/h.
The cabin is designed with a flat floor and can accommodate up to eight passengers, depending on configuration. It can be adapted for various mission profiles, including passenger transport and emergency medical services (EMS), with rear clamshell doors allowing stretcher loading.
The cockpit is equipped with a Garmin G3000H avionics suite, supporting advanced flight displays and compatibility with night vision goggles (NVG).
Following the acquisition of Kopter by Leonardo S.p.A. in 2020, the program has progressed toward certification and entry into service.
See also |
AW09 in
Kopter 
