Independent helicopter and fixed wing sales specialist Savback Helicopters has signed a distributorship agreement with Italy-based manufacturer Konner Helicopters to be the exclusive sales representative for the turbine-engine K1-S19 and K2 helicopters across Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland, as well as the UK and Republic of Ireland. Sales will be handled from both Savback's headquarters in Sweden and its UK office at Nottingham Heliport.

The two types produced by Konner Helicopters fly under Ultralight airframe regulations (depending on the country of operation) and are intended for private owners. Good progress is being made in gaining approval in more countries in order to widen the appeal of these helicopters.

Central to both models is the proprietary TK-250 turboshaft engine. Running on diesel, biodiesel, JP-1 or JP-4 fuel options, the TK-250 has full FADEC to automatically manage the engine functionality. The TK-250 is one of the very few turboshaft engines designed with both the fixed and rotary wing markets in mind, and can be used by either with very little modification and software set up. The models also feature Hybrid Flight Assistance where an additional electric engine is switched on in the event of an engine failure, a significant safety feature that completely removes the Dead Man's Curve risk factor for the pilot.

Savback Helicopters has purchased a K1-S19 demonstrator aircraft, scheduled for delivery in March 2024.

The Konner K1-S19 is a two seat helicopter powered by the Konner TK-250 turboshaft engine, rated at 250shp. With a carbon fibre fuselage, the K1-S19 has a three-blade semi-articulated composite main rotor with a bearingless head. Keeping within the ultralight category, the K1-S19 has an MTOW of 1,323lb (600kg) and an empty weight of 771lb (350kg). A 150 litre fuel capacity and a cruise speed of 115kts (132.3mph) give a maximum range of 200nm (370.4km).

The K1-S19 has ultralight category approval in Germany, Sweden and Finland.

Konner also produces the four seat K2 model, powered by a 270shp version of the same TK-250 engine. Developed from customer demand for more generous dimensions over the K1-S19, this model has a four-blade semi-articulated main rotor system with composite blades and a bearingless head. Cruising at 130kts (150mph), an impressive range of 325nm (602km) is achieved. Similar to the K1-S19, the K2 also features a carbon fibre fuselage.