Sweden-headquartered Savback Helicopters has been expanding its helicopter sales and marketing business and recently took its Italian-built Zefhir helicopter to the Private Flyer show at Wycombe Air Park in the UK.

The Zefhir, 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 meet the exacting requirements of EASA CS-27, with a carbon fibre 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 produces complex parts for certified helicopters. Its Zefhir is presented as a 'jewel of modern technology and materials'.

“The Zefhir also offers a unique option, an innovative extra safety feature in the form of a ballistic parachute, which deploys in the unlikely event of engine failure or pilot incapacitation,” says Curti vice president Nabore Benini. “This makes it the the first and only helicopter in the world with a tried and tested parachute.”

Curti is based in the heart of Italy's 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 adds.

Visitors to the Private Flyer show can still experience the Zefhir through virtual reality technology; flying, selecting the destination, configuration, optional colours, 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 seater helicopter. It 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 optimised using sophisticated computational fluid dynamics.

A hover ceiling of 4,000m (13,100 ft) can be achieved at the maximum take off weight of 600/650kg (1,322lb). The larger of two fuel tank options allows a range of 638 km (396 miles) with 10 minutes reserve.

Savback is led in the UK and Ireland by head of sales Stephen Mitchell, who brings 25 years' experience in civil aviation sales, complementing the Savback team's experience in corporate jets, airlines and helicopters. Savback UK is based at Nottingham Heliport.

Savback CEO Reja Savbäck says: “We have been very pleased with the results and progress of our focus on the UK 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,” adds Mitchell. "We are proud to be showcasing the Zefhir in the UK."

Savback Helicopters is seeking to get approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority being in the opt out ultra-light category for helicopters (for recreational use) as already adopted by several EASA countries.

Immediately following Private Flyer, the Zefhir will be available to view at Nottingham Heliport between 16-20 May, where Curti's test pilot will be demonstrating the aircraft in-flight. Savback is also looking forward to offering interested guests an in-flight experience from Nottingham Heliport, time and weather permitting.