Kopter

Kopter is a Swiss helicopter manufacturer that designs and produces light single‑engine turbine helicopters. Its primary product is the SH09, a five‑tonne class helicopter later branded as the Leonardo AW09 after acquisition, intended for utility, passenger transport and emergency medical services. The company focuses on delivering modern avionics, low vibration and high performance in a compact airframe. It serves customers in the civil aviation sector, including private operators, corporate fleets and government agencies.

The organisation is headquartered in Brugg, Switzerland, and operated as an independent entity before being integrated into a larger aerospace group. Its development programme aimed to provide a more efficient alternative to existing light turbine fleets, attracting interest from operators seeking lower operating costs. Kopter maintained a dedicated workforce centred on engineering, certification and production activities to bring its design to market. The company’s efforts were directed toward meeting stringent European Aviation Safety Agency standards for safety and reliability.

Kopter’s distinguishing attribute lies in its clean‑sheet design approach, which incorporates advanced composite materials and a Fenestron‑style tail rotor to reduce noise and improve safety. The SH09/AW09 was positioned as a modern alternative in the light turbine segment, emphasizing performance and environmental considerations. Following its acquisition by Leonardo in December 2020, Kopter became a subsidiary within Leonardo’s helicopter division, contributing its SH09/AW09 programme to the parent company’s broader product portfolio.