The Tiltrotor concept is not new to aviation. Since the 80s, several V-22 Osprey planes have regularly flown around, however, the innovative concept has never been successful in civil aviation, which continues to focus on the simplicity of aircraft.
However, Leonardo started studies a few years ago to change the direction of the general aviation sector, and merge a helicopter with a twin-engine aircraft. The result was the development of the AW609, a tilt rotor intended for use in civil aviation.
The history of the AW609 comes well before the company's commitment to the same in aviation, the start of the concept was between a partnership between Bell and AgustaWestland in the late 90s.
Based on Bell's experience with the XV-15, the project was started in the 90s, with the first flight taking place in 2002. However, for several years the AW609 was only in the testing phase by AgustaWestland, which produced several generations of the tilt rotor.
Bell subsequently exited the project, promoting its own Tilt Rotot, and Leonardo acquired AgustaWestland. The changes favored the AW609, which gained more relevance. The proposal was to offer something totally different from other companies in the sector (and it still continues in this line), a helicopter capable of flying high and fast, with vertical landings and takeoffs.
With this focus, Leonardo wants to reach the niche of customers who have a small plane and also a helicopter. For this reason, the AW609 is being certified with an average range of 1389 km (3 hours of autonomy), without auxiliary tanks, which increases to 1850 km using extra fuel tanks.
The maximum cruising speed of 509 km/h is even higher compared to many turboprops on the market, even twin engines.
The aircraft is also pressurized, to fly high like a turboprop, above the usual cloud cover helicopters routinely face. The AW609 was designed to fly at a maximum altitude of 25000 feet.
For this entire package, capable of transporting 6 to 9 engers, carrying out air medical transport, policing or even transporting cargo on board, Leonardo charges US$ 25 million (list price). Of course, discounts are available on a per-order basis, as applied by all manufacturers.
The high price of the tilt rotor can be compensated by its versatility of operation, as well as the savings with the maintenance and hangar of two different aircraft (a helicopter and an executive jet). Despite the ease of landing on many helipads, the AW609 still does not have the speed and range of an executive jet of the same value, such as the Embraer Praetor line.
Tilt Rotor certification is expected to take place between 2022 and 2023, according to Leonardo. After many setbacks and delays, the AW609 is approaching the last steps to get FAA approval, as testing is taking place in the United States. It is worth mentioning that it is a totally different certification, mainly involving pilot training, due to the “new” concept of flying.
There are around 50 interested in the AW609 at the moment, and Leonardo is betting on the success of its concept, mainly in markets such as the United States, the Middle East and Asia.
Curious about how an AW609 flies? Check us out videos below:
