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2016-06-01
AW609 TiltRotor Prototype Begins Run Testing
UAE is set to take deliveries of three AW609 in 2019
Leonardo-Finmeccanica recently announced that the third prototype (A/C3) of the AgustaWestland AW609 TiltRotor has completed its first ground run at the company’s facilities in Cascina Costa, Italy. This marks an important milestone as the programme advances its testing and plans a resumption of flight testing activities.
Aircraft AW609 A/C3 began restrained ground run testing with all engines and systems operating. These tests prepare the prototype for FAA certification flight testing this summer at the company’s Philadelphia facility, where it will demonstrate that its capabilities satisfy a stringent set of airworthiness standards for the world’s first commercial powered lift aircraft. Taking off and landing vertically, the AW609 is capable of flying within an envelope that includes cruise conditions up to 275 knots, at an altitude of 25,000 feet in a pressurized cabin, for missions with ranges up to 1,000nm with available fuel options.
Testing plans for the A/C3 also include icing trials in the winter of 2016 to demonstrate its capabilities in known icing conditions. These design features allow the AW609 to perform a host of missions not previously achievable with any other commercial aircraft.
The ground run of the third prototype followed a restarting of test activities of the first prototype (A/C1) on April 15, 2016. The fourth prototype A/C4 is undergoing assembly in Philadelphia with plans to enter the test fleet in 2017. Certification of the first commercial tiltrotor is expected in 2018, with deliveries to customers to follow.
The unique flight characteristics of the AgustaWestland AW609 combine the benefits of a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft into one aircraft. Flying above adverse weather conditions with up to nine people in comfort or a combination of stretchers and medical attendants in a pressurized cabin with turboprop-like speed and performance, the AW609 represents the next generation of aircraft transport.
With almost 60 units required by customers around the world, including selection by the UAE expected to start taking deliveries of three aircraft in 2019, the aircraft is capable of diverse missions, including patrol and search and rescue, offshore transport, executive/private transport and homeland security roles. Development agreements are in place with Bristow Group and Era Group, for offshore and EMS variants, respectively.
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