The Konner K3 Anfibio marks an intriguing evolution in aviation, blending helicopter functionality with amphibious capabilities to enable seamless transitions between air and water. This helicopter is not just built for flight; it is engineered for versatile exploration, landing, and movement across both terrains. Its innovative design and high-powered performance systems cater to aviation enthusiasts, professional pilots, and researchers seeking to extend their reach into unexplored waters and coastlines.
Power meets precision: The TK-250 turbine and Hybrid Assistance System
Central to the K3 Anfibio’s performance is the Konner TK-250 turbine, a powerhouse that delivers 250 horsepower with a notably light build of only 50 kg. With a power-to-weight ratio of 5:1, the turbine’s lightweight structure allows for improved agility in both flight and flotation. The TK-250 can also be powered by diesel, a unique feature that enhances its adaptability and may appeal to users needing versatility in fuel options.
Beyond the primary turbine, the K3 Anfibio integrates the Hybrid Assistance System (HAS), a safety-focused addition that engages a 90-horsepower electric motor when needed. This hybrid system is particularly valuable for avoiding the “Dead Man’s Curve” scenario—a term describing critical situations during low-speed, low-altitude flight where pilots lack sufficient power to recover from engine failures. In such emergencies, the HAS system kicks in, helping maintain stability and giving pilots additional maneuvering time to manage unexpected conditions.
Amphibious capabilities: Electric waterjets and retractable skids
One of the standout features of the K3 Anfibio is its capability to land and take off from water. This is made possible by the integration of two electric waterjets, allowing the helicopter to navigate up to 6 kilometers over water without engaging the turbine. These waterjets provide silent movement, enhancing safety by keeping the rotors stationary, reducing the risk of accidental contact in close quarters. The waterjets also serve a dual function with the “position lock” capability. Using the onboard GPS module and a smartphone app, pilots can enable position lock, which autonomously stabilizes the helicopter’s position in water—a valuable tool for operations in dynamic aquatic environments.
To support these amphibious features, the K3 Anfibio’s retractable skids add further adaptability. Activated by the pilot, the skids retract into the body of the helicopter using an electric actuator, which reduces drag during flight and enhances flotation on water. Additionally, retractable skids make it easier to land in shallow waters, a functionality that opens new possibilities for exploratory missions or emergency landings where conventional landing options are limited.
Stability and buoyancy: A design built for dual-terrain mastery
For consistent stability during aquatic operations, the K3 Anfibio is designed with several supportive features. The helicopter’s lower body adopts a V-shaped keel, reminiscent of a boat’s design, to improve stability on water. This keel structure minimizes lateral movement, providing steadiness whether the helicopter is stationary or navigating through waves.
Adding to this stability are two electronically controlled side fins that automatically adjust to counteract wave motion, ensuring a smoother experience for the pilot and passengers alike. These elements are crucial not only for comfortable and controlled water landings but also for enabling smoother takeoffs from water, where stability is key to safe operation.
Carbon fiber body: Lightweight durability for land, air, and water
The Konner K3 Anfibio’s body is constructed from carbon fiber, a choice that reduces weight without compromising strength. This material’s durability and lightness make it ideal for aviation, contributing to greater fuel efficiency and easier maneuvering. Additionally, the carbon fiber is treated with specialized resins and coatings, ensuring that the helicopter remains water-resistant—an essential feature for an amphibious vehicle designed to regularly transition between air and water.
Practical features tailored for modern exploration
Konner Helicopters has incorporated practical technologies in the K3 Anfibio to support its ambitious versatility. The electric waterjet system, for example, allows the helicopter to move in water silently, with a maximum speed of 15 km/h. This quiet mode enables pilots to navigate sensitive or protected areas without disturbing local wildlife, an asset for ecological researchers and surveyors operating in remote or coastal locations.
The GPS-based position lock system offers a practical solution for tasks requiring the helicopter to maintain a stable position in water, such as rescue missions or scientific monitoring. Through a smartphone app, pilots can activate this feature and rely on the GPS module and waterjets to keep the helicopter in place, even when external factors like water currents might typically cause drift.
A helicopter for today’s aerial and aquatic needs
The Konner K3 Anfibio brings together advanced engineering and thoughtful design elements to create a helicopter capable of expanding the boundaries of aerial and marine exploration. Its high-powered turbine, hybrid assistance, amphibious adaptations, and cutting-edge materials illustrate a strong commitment to versatility and performance across multiple terrains.
With no exact pricing details available at this time, the K3 Anfibio appeals to professionals in aviation, researchers, and explorers who are keen on versatile equipment for diverse mission profiles.
Source: Konner Helicopters
