Michigan-based Enstrom Helicopter will enter the market for light piston-powered training helicopters with a new, scaled-down version of its 280FX called the TH-180.
The Chinese-owned company sees the segment as an opportunity to create a loyal customer base that can move up to buy its larger models, says president and chief executive Tracy Biegler.
The company has launched a $2-4 million certification effort funded by the company’s profits on deliveries of 280FXs and turbine-powered 480Bs, he says.
Enstrom is targeting the second quarter of 2015 to achieve certification, with first flight planned for the second quarter of this year.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
