The Heli Air Design company (HAD), located in Lorraine (France North-East), presented its project at the Estoril Helitech show and then its first prototype at the International Paris Air show in Le Bourget in June 2011 and at Duxford Helitech – UK – in September 2011 (see opposite picture).

At these events it was the object of strong interest.

Market studies carried out have shown potential for more than 30 helicopters per year.

The months that followed these presentations have been used to ensure the development and extensive ground tests.

Under the control of test-pilot Stéphane Lignier, and under poor wheather conditions, the three-blade turbine-engined two-seater made fifteen take-offs and a series of hover-taxy manoeuvres inside ground effect.

These flights demonstrated that the aircraft complies with earlier technical forecasts

The HAD company will now conduct flight trials leading, DGAC / CNSK certification, aiming to CS 27.

HAD will also build two further pre-production aircraft and implement the industrial resources for series production.

Heli Air Design Company press release