Leonardo-Finmeccanica Advances with AW609 TiltRotor Prototype
Rome, 04 May 2016 – Leonardo-Finmeccanica has successfully announced that the third prototype (A/C3) of the AgustaWestland AW609 TiltRotor has completed its inaugural ground run at the company’s state-of-the-art facilities in Cascina Costa, Italy. This achievement marks a significant milestone as the program advances towards comprehensive testing and the resumption of flight activities.
The AW609 A/C3 prototype recently initiated restrained ground run testing, with all engines and systems fully operational. These essential tests are paving the way for FAA certification flight testing this summer at the company’s Philadelphia facility. The AW609 aims to meet rigorous airworthiness standards as it positions itself to become the world’s first commercial powered-lift aircraft. With capabilities for vertical takeoff and landing, the AW609 can cruise up to 275 knots and reach an altitude of 25,000 feet in a pressurized cabin, achieving mission ranges of up to 1,000 nautical miles with various fuel options. This innovative aircraft is set to usher in a new chapter in civil aviation.
Furthermore, testing plans for the A/C3 include comprehensive icing trials scheduled for winter 2016. Such evaluations will showcase the aircraft’s capabilities in known icing conditions, further reinforcing the design features that enable the AW609 to perform missions previously unattainable with other commercial aircraft.
The ground run of the third prototype closely follows the recent restart of test activities for the first prototype (A/C1) on April 15, 2016. Meanwhile, the fourth prototype (A/C4) is currently under assembly in Philadelphia, with plans to join the test fleet in 2017. The certification of the first commercial tiltrotor is anticipated in 2018, followed by subsequent customer deliveries.
