AgustaWestland has introduced several performance and
product improvements for the AW609 TiltRotor. An
extended technology development flight test programme
has confirmed an increase in MTOW to 18,000lb, thanks to engine upgrades,
landing gear modifications and optimised flight control techniques, resulting in an increase in
useful load that will enable it to fly 500nm point-to-point in two hours while carrying a full load of
nine passengers.
Underwing auxiliary fuel tanks are being developed that will boost the AW609’s maximum range to
1,100nm and enable it to carry six passengers 800nm in just over three hours. The cabin door is also
being enlarged on all variants to improve access, in particular for SAR and EMS operations. In the
cockpit the AW609 will have a new fully integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion flight deck,
combined with upgraded flight computers and sensors.
AgustaWestland has chosen its Philadelphia site as the first final assembly line, while facilities in
Italy, the UK and Poland will continue to play major roles TiltRotor production. The two ASW
prototypes currently flying in Italy and Texas have logged nearly 1,200 hours. Achievements over the
past year have included completion of envelope expansion, autorotation trials, and improvements in
aerodynamics and aircraft systems. The third prototype is in final assembly, and the fourth will be
completed in Philadelphia next year. US Federal Aviation Administration civil certification is targeted
for 2017. Nearly sixty AW609s have been ordered for a variety of roles, including offshore
transportation, EMS and patient transfer, SAR, VIP, and parapublic operations.
At March’s Heli-Expo show in Orlando AW and Bristow signed an agreement under which the two
companies will work closely on AW609 development, focusing on operations, regulations,
maintenance and configuration optimisation, as well as identifying possible areas for enhancements
or modifications. Under the agreement, AgustaWestland and Bristow will work to support the
development of dedicated oil and gas support and SAR configurations and capabilities.
“We see tremendous opportunities for this aircraft for our clients who are flying to more remote
and hostile environments,” said Bristow President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Baliff. “With
its vertical lift and landing capabilities combined with increased speed, extended range and airline-
style amenities, Bristow will be able to provide more value to clients by offering complete logistics
solutions with one aircraft type that will take them faster and farther offshore.”
Bell launches
improved Model 407At March’s Heli-Expo show
Bell Helicopter introduced
an improved version of its
Model 407GX. The new
407GXP has an additional
50lb of payload and is
powered by a Rolls-Royce
M250 engine that improves
performance, fuel
efficiency and hot-and-high
performance. It is also
equipped with new avionics
features such as a hover
performance calculator
improvement, and a
500-hour transmission
TBO extension will lower
maintenance costs.Colorado-based Air
Methods Corporation,
which is the world’s largest
provider of air medical
transport services, has
placed a launch for 200
407GXP, marking one of
the largest commercial
sales in Bell Helicopter’s
history. Deliveries are
scheduled to begin in 2016
and continue over a
ten-year period.http://www.pilotweb.aero Pilot April 2015 | 17
TiltRotor progress
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