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AW609

BASE PRICE: $ 25,000,000

PASSENGERS

5

CABIN VOLUME

cu.ft

200

RANGE

nm

650

SPEED

ktas

250

MTOW

lb

16000

9 PAX

1,000 nm

275 ktas

18,000 lb

Picture: Courtesy Leonardo

Tiltrotor technology answers the need for an aircraft with the speed, range, and altitude of a fixed-wing airplane and the vertical take-off and landing versatility of a helicopter. This revolutionary combination has been studied and tested for years prior to a successful introduction in military use with the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey.  

Launched in 1998 as a joint Bell / Agusta program under BA609 designation. The AW609 is the first twin-engine tiltrotor aircraft designed for certification in the civilian market. Combining helicopter versatility with the speed and comfort of a pressurized cabin flying above bad weather.

The AW609 completed its first flight on March 6, 2003,  kicking-of an ongoing long certification process.  Since 2011, the Italian aerospace conglomerate Leonardo assume full ownership of the program.

The long-awaited aircraft proved very popular in the VIP market, with New York Times reporting U.S businessman Michael Bloomberg is “near the top” of the list of buyers who have put a deposit down. Leonardo is also teaming-up with Bristow to bring the tiltrotor to the offshore Oil & Gas market allowing for direct personnel transfer from major cities to oil rings. 

The AW609 is powered by a pair of FADEC equipped Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A turboshaft engines, each driving a three-bladed proprotor.

The AW609 flight deck features Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 with three LCD displays layout and head-up display system. Avionics include a triple-redundant digital fly-by-wire flight control system.

Range*1000 nm
Max Endurance 
Speed 
Maximum Cruise Speed275 kt
Economy Cruise Speed270 kt
Altitude 
Service Ceiling25,000 ft
Hover IGE Ceiling 10,000 ft
Hover OGE Ceiling 6,000 ft
Maximum Takeoff18,000 lbs
Basic Operating11,300 lbs
Usable Fuel2,571 lbs
Maximum Payload6,000 lbs
AVIONICS 
ManufacturerCollins Aerospace
ModelPro Line Fusion
ENGINES 
Number of Engines2
ManufacturerPratt & Whitney Canada
ModelPT6C-67A
Takeoff Power1,940 shp
Max Continuous Power1,675 shp
INTERIOR
Picture: Courtesy Leonardo

The AW609 cabin is pressurized and equipped with high-performance soundproofing technology. Access to the cabin is via a 35-inch wide, two-piece clamshell door installed underneath the wings.

Manufactured from high-strength composites, the AW609’s cabin offers a variety of VIP seating options to accommodate up to eight passengers. The 5-feet tall cabin offers similar amenities found on a light business jet with standard refreshment center and bathroom installation.

Cabin Height5 ft
Cabin Width5 ft
Cabin Length13 ft
Cabin Volume258 cu.ft
Baggage Compartment 56 cu.ft

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