Had Been Suspended Following Accident Last Year

Leonardo-Finmeccanica has confirmed that the first AW609 TiltRotor prototype has resumed flight testing in helicopter and airplane modes.

Flight testing activities will continue to take place in Arlington, Texas, with plans to soon fly the AW609 to Philadelphia and ultimately relocate the aircraft at the company’s facilities in Italy.

The third prototype, assembled and ground tested in Italy, is being shipped to Philadelphia in preparation for certification flight testing activities planned later this year.

Flight testing was suspended after one of the prototype aircraft went down in October of last year, resulting in the fatal injury of both pilots on board and the total loss of the aircraft. Ground testing of the aircraft resumed in May.

The AW609 is intended to be a civilian Tiltrotor aircraft based, somewhat, on the same principles as the Boeing Osprey V-22. The AW609 is a much smaller aircraft intended for corporate travel that combines the need for vertical lift and a higher cruise speed than is offered by a conventional helicopter.

(Source: Leonardo-Finmeccanica statement and previous reporting. Image from file)

FMI: www.leonardocompany.com