(^) 2 | MAGAZINE 02
ERA has participated in the
AW609 program since 2016, when
it signed a memorandum with
Leonardo for the development
of an emergency medical evacu-
ation (EME) variant. Originally
announced as BA609, in 1996,
the project was part of a partner-
ship between Bell Helicopters and
the Agusta (currently Leonardo).
he irst light took place in 2003,
going to an extensive and com-
plex development stage of the 609
program, which faced a series of
challenges. Once certiied, the
AW609 will be the irst tiltrotor to
enter commercial service.
he aircrat is capable to take
of and land vertically, while it
horizontally lies with the same
performance of a turboprop. he
AW609 was designed to meet the
executive market, with capacity of
up to nine people, in a pressurized
cabin, reaching speeds and range
higher than a helicopter perfor-
mance. Moreover, versions were
developed intended for air rescue
and operations in oil and gas plat-
forms. In addition, versions were
developed for air rescue and oil
and gas platform operations.
Airbus Helicopters
Airbus, like in other years, brought
its full product line to the exhibition.
When passing through its stand it
was possible to visit each one of the
models manufactured by the com-
pany. his year, the prototype two of
the H160 was being demonstrated
and, ater the fair, it performed
demonstration lights in the US and
homologation tests in Colorado.
With modern design, it features
various innovations, from the avi-
onics systems to the blades, with a
design that, according to Airbus,
will allow the helicopter to reach
speeds higher than those of their
main competitors. Flight data of
the two irst prototypes are being
analyzed and some modiications
already are expected for the two
next prototypes that will join the
homologation campaign. heir
homologation is expected to inish
at the end of 2019.
Robinson
Robinson was present with its R22,
R44 and R66 models. Being fairly
popular, the company for several
years is holding the position of the
world’s largest seller of helicopters
(in number of units delivered). Its
stand, although smaller than those
of the other manufacturers, was one
of the most crowded, with various
pilots and mechanics circulating
among the aircrats.
Kopter
Kopter, formerly Marenco, was
present with its homologation
brent
(Brent)
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