Aston Martin’s New Year has got off to a flying start… With the brand’s first helicopter. And parked up next to a matching DB11, it makes for a cool-looking combo surely worthy of any 007…
It’s only a colour and trim job, Aston not (yet?) having ventured into aerospace design. For that they got into bed with the helicopter division of Airbus, formerly Eurocopter, imbuing the ACH130 model with signature Aston colours and luxury materials.
Aston’s influence may be limited but we reckon the result is still pretty cool. The six-seater with its distinctive enclosed tail rotor is already a sleek design, and its interior is said to have been inspired by sports cars.
Aston’s design team have enhanced that with colours ( four different liveries are available ) and a leather and ultra-suede interior to make any Aston car owner feel right at home. The ACH130 may not have quite as much power as the Valkyrie – the helicopter can call on 925 shaft horsepower – but is said to be a sporty machine to fly. Its top speed is 165mph and range is 400 miles. Price? That is about the same as the Valkyrie, at upwards of £2 million.
This is just the latest step on Aston Martin’s path to develop as a global luxury brand with Aston Martin sports cars and SUVs – and from next year, electric Lagondas – joined by all manner of bespoke toys. In the past couple of years Aston’s signature look and handcrafted appeal has been applied to a speedboat, motorcycle, apartments, flying car and even a submersible.
Aston Martin
DB11