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Savback Helicopters Debuts Ultra- Light Zefhir Helicopter in the U.K.
Savback Helicopters expanded its helicopter sales and marketing business and brought the Italian-built two-seat Zefhir helicopter to the Private Flyer show, part of The Elite Series, at Wycombe Air Park in the U.K. in May. This luxury brand event brought together best-in-class luxury brands, private jets, helicopters, supercars, powerboats, yachts and lifestyle accessories – all in one location.
The Zefhir helicopter, developed by Curti Aerospace, has been designed for the discerning private pilot as a high-quality, two-seat single-turbine aircraft*. Its airframe and components have been designed to meet the exacting requirements of EASA CS-27, with its carbon fiber airframe and the largest luggage space in its category. Light, efficient, and durable composite rotor blades and an elegant and clean interior add to its style. The Curti company draws on decades of experience in the production of complex parts for certified helicopters.
Matching state-of-the-art materials and technology with a passion for flying deeply rooted in the company’s DNA, Zefhir gives the perfect synthesis between competence and intuition. Its Italian design is reflected in attention to detail. Zefhir is presented as a “jewel of modern technology and materials,” right down to its elegant lines and exclusive style interiors.
“The Zefhir also offers a unique option – an innovative extra safety feature – a ballistic parachute which deploys in the unlikely event of engine failure or pilot incapacitation,” commented Nabore Benini, vice president of Curti. “This makes it the first and only helicopter in the world with a tried and tested parachute.”
Curti is based in the heart of Italy’s famous Motor Valley, which boasts a long tradition of supercars and super bikes — luxury and sport. Within an hour’s drive are Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani, Dallara and Ducati. “This heritage, outstanding skillset and unique supply chain enabled the birth of this exceptional two-seat helicopter,” Benini said.
Using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology, visitors at Private Flyer “experienced” the Zefhir by flying and selecting the destination, configuration, optional colors, cockpit, etc.
The Zefhir is powered by an ultra- modern turboshaft engine (gas generator and turbine), with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), a revolution in a lightweight two-seat helicopter. Zefhir delivers pure performance at the pilot’s command. Its powerplant has a maximum power of 180 kW (241 shp), but it is engineered to deliver constant continuous power at 105 kW (141 shp), ensuring safety and performance at all altitudes and temperatures. The engine installation is optimized using sophisticated computational fluid dynamics.
A hover ceiling of 4,000m (13,100 feet) can be achieved at the maximum takeoff weight of 600/650kg (1,322 pounds). The larger of two fuel tank options allows a range of 638 km (396 miles) with 10 minutes reserve.
Complementing its headquarters in Sweden, Savback is led in the U.K. and Ireland by Stephen Mitchell, head of Sales, who brings 25 years of experience in civil aviation sales, complementing the Savback team’s experience in corporate jets, airlines and helicopters. Savback U.K. is based at Nottingham Heliport.
The U.K. is a significant and well- developed market for private helicopters, with U.K.-based market intelligence company Parapex Media counting 1,159 helicopters in the locally registered fleet as of April 1, 2022, including 690 single- engine aircraft.
Savback’s Chief Executive Officer Reja Savbäck commented, “We have been very pleased with the results and progress of our focus on the U.K. to date. As we rally back out of the pandemic, the timing is right to introduce the Zefhir helicopter to this discerning market, offering the ultimate in point-to-point personal travel.”
“The level of luxury and safety seen in this class of helicopter is a step above every other product for the private owner/pilot in the market to date,” added Mitchell.
* Savback Helicopters is seeking to get approval from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority to be in the opt-out ultralight category for helicopters (for recreational use) as already adopted by several EASA countries.
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May/June 2022
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