Aircraft overview

The Leonardo Helicopters AW09 is a new generation single engine turbine helicopter in the light utility and corporate transport category. It began life as the Kopter SH09, first flown in 2014, before Leonardo acquired Kopter in 2020 and later aligned the aircraft with its AW product family as the AW09. The model is intended to sit in the high end of the single engine market, with a large cabin, modern systems and utility flexibility for private, emergency medical, public service and commercial missions.

Performance & specifications

The AW09 is powered by a Safran Arriel 2K turboshaft, a 1,000 shp class engine selected during the programme’s later development phase. Published targets include a maximum cruise speed of about 140 knots, range of about 430 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of about 6,283 lb and a useful load quoted at more than 3,000 lb, depending on configuration. Its five blade main rotor, shrouded tail rotor and large cabin volume are central to its mission profile.

Cabin & avionics

The AW09 is designed for one pilot and up to seven passengers, with a flat floor cabin and large sliding side doors for passenger, cargo or stretcher access. The rear clamshell doors support baggage and utility loading, a notable distinction from many older single engine helicopters. The cockpit is planned around Garmin G3000H integrated avionics, rather than Garmin Perspective or legacy G1000 installations. Typical features include large touchscreen controlled displays, engine and systems integration, modern navigation capability and mission equipment provisions depending on role.

Buying & value

For buyers comparing used aircraft, the AW09 should be viewed differently from established pre owned types, because the programme is recent and the secondary market is expected to be limited until customer deliveries mature. Key due diligence points include certification status for the relevant jurisdiction, production standard, engine fit, avionics baseline, weight and mission kit. Earlier Kopter SH09 development aircraft should not be treated as equivalent to production AW09 examples. Typical value positioning is likely to align with premium single engine turbine helicopters, especially where cabin size, useful load and modern avionics are priorities over the larger installed base of older competing models.