Leonardo has reported that the fourth AW09 prototype PS04, the first of the conforming types with the Safran Arriel 2K, has completed its first flight from the company’s facility in Mollis, Switzerland. The flight, which took place on 16 March, lasted around 20 minutes.
The planned test card, which consisted of low-speed manoeuvring, including in-ground effect (IGE) hovering, spot turns, and lateral flight, as well as a number of landings and take-offs, was completed without any snags. Post-flight, the test crew reported they were very pleased with the aircraft and its handling and looked forward to expanding the aircraft’s envelope during the remainder of the programme.
