AgustaWestland AW609
Summary
| Category | Helicopter |
| Origin country | 🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 6 March 2003 |
| Year of introduction | 2020 |
| Number produced | units |
Description
The Leonardo AW609 is a tiltrotor aircraft that aims to bridge the gap between helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes by combining features of both. Developed by Leonardo S.p.A., an Italian aerospace company, the AW609 is designed for a variety of roles including search and rescue, medical evacuation, offshore oil and gas transport, and executive transport.
The aircraft is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A turboshaft engines, which power its three-bladed proprotors. These proprotors can tilt from a vertical to a horizontal position, allowing for vertical takeoffs and landings like a helicopter, as well as forward flight like a conventional airplane. This gives the AW609 the ability to operate in confined spaces and urban areas where traditional fixed-wing aircraft cannot.
One of the standout features is its speed; the AW609 can reach speeds of up to 316 mph (509 km/h), significantly faster than most commercial helicopters. It also has a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles, making it suitable for longer missions that would be challenging for helicopters.
The cockpit is designed with modern avionics, featuring a fully digital glass cockpit that aids in navigation and flight management. The aircraft can accommodate up to nine passengers in its cabin, depending on the configuration, and offers amenities that make it suitable for executive transport, such as a spacious interior and various customization options.
Safety features include redundant systems to enhance reliability, as well as a de-icing system that allows for all-weather operation. The AW609 is also designed to meet both FAA and EASA safety standards for both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, although it has faced delays in certification.
Despite its innovative design and capabilities, the AW609 has faced challenges, including developmental delays and a fatal crash during a test flight in 2015. These setbacks have impacted its market entry timeline and raised questions about the commercial viability of tiltrotor technology for civilian use.
In summary, the Leonardo AW609 is an ambitious tiltrotor aircraft that offers the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter along with the speed and range of a fixed-wing airplane, but it has faced hurdles in development and certification that have delayed its widespread adoption.
Technical specifications
| Version: AW609 | |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 509 km/h (316 mph) |
| Wingspan | 11.7 m (38.4 ft) |
| Height | 5.1 m (16.7 ft) |
| Length | 14.1 m (46.3 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 7620 m (25000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 4755 kg (10483 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 8200 kg (18078 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 7.6 m/s (24.9 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbines Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A delivering 1447 kW |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
United Arab Emirates | 0 (+3) | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
All operators
Photo of AW609
