The Aero show in Friedrichshafen last week saw the launch of the Konner K1 helicopter – a turbine two-seat aircraft from Italy built under the EASA CS-27 rules for small rotorcraft.

Possibly the sleekest helicopter we have seen, the side view makes even the AgustaWestland AW109 look bloated. From the nose you do a double-take thinking you are looking at a Ferrari or Lamborghini as the very angular chin windows bear a resemblance to the air intakes of the road cars.

The “Konner K1” turbo-shaft engine with FADEC electronic control system, has been developed by the Konner’s Gas Turbine Division in accordance with EASA CS-E rules, provides 250hp for 5 minutes, and has a cruise rating of 230hp.  Konner claims the best balance between power and weight in the world with less than 2 kg/hp at maximum take-off weight.   Performance claims are 115 knots cruise with 135 knots VNE, climb at 2,600 fpm and a maximum range without reserve of 320nm.

Konner Helicopter is based at Amaro in Italy, north east of Venice and close to the Slovenian border. The company had three examples at Aero.

See more at http://www.konnerhelicopters.com/

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com