More than 20-year-old Leonardo AW609 powered-lift has arrived in Dubai

First, Leonardo AW609 was called “Bell / Agusta BA609”, and then “AgustaWestland AW609”, which definitely best reflects the fact that this particular powered-lift has been in development for over two decades. The Leonardo AW609 made its first flight in 2003 and unexpectedly recently hit the spotlight at the 2021 Dubai Air Show this month.

Leonardo AW609 powered lift

The unconventional design of the Leonardo AW609, similar to that known from the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, not only required long flight tests, but over time began to suffer from certification problems, falling orders and, finally, a fatal accident in 2015. Its recent appearance at an aviation show suggests that it may be getting closer to certification, thus officially waiting for the market premiere. In fact, the company’s CEO revealed this in an interview with Reuters in October, saying the plane would be certified by the FAA in 2022.

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A total of four AW609 prototypes have been constructed, and two production versions are currently under construction at the company’s North American headquarters in Philadelphia. This powered-lift resembles the aforementioned military Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, but is much smaller and intended for the civilian, not military, market. It is also suitable for passenger flights, medical care, and search and rescue operations.

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As a powered-lift, the Leonardo AW609 can take off and land like a helicopter, then shift its rotors accordingly to fly horizontally like an airplane for greater speed and range. It can carry up to nine passengers or 2,500 kg of cargo, and its two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A turboshaft engines give it a top speed of 509 km / h and a range of 1,389 km.