AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has announced that it has signed agreements with three key suppliers for its AW609 TiltRotor programme. These latest agreements signed with Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems are a major milestone in the programme for development and certification of the AW609 TiltRotor.
AgustaWestland remains committed to certification of the AW609 TiltRotor through FAA and EASA within the first half of 2016 with deliveries immediately thereafter.
Pratt & Whitney Canada will provide an upgraded version of the PT6 engine for the AW609 TiltRotor which will include the latest in technological developments.
"Using the legendary PT6 engine as its base, P&WC has built a dependable and highly flexible family of turboshaft engines, designed to meet our customers' power requirements," confirmed Richard Dussault, vice president, marketing, P&WC. "Innovation, dependability and sound operating economics are in the PT6’s DNA."
Rockwell Collins will provide a fully integrated cockpit for the AW609 TiltRotor based on its pro line fusion system, including 14 inch (35.5 cm) touch screen displays, integrated flight management systems with satellite based navigation, synthetic and enhanced vision systems and Head-Up-Display interfaces; all of which will be integrated with the aircraft’s own avionics management systems.
BAE Systems will provide an upgraded Flight Control Computer at the AW609 TiltRotor’s triple redundant fully digital fly-by-wire flight control system. The computer, to receive TSO certification in 2014, will include not only the AgustaWestland control laws and flight control software but also the digital engine control system.
The vendor base of the AW609 TiltRotor is now being renewed. AgustaWestland is therefore holding a Presentation to Key Suppliers on the 13th July 2012 at the home of the AW609 TiltRotor in Cascina Costa, Italy where over 40 existing and potential new suppliers will be receive an update on the certification program and view the development aircraft.
The AW609 TiltRotor programme is now being managed by a single Integrated Development Team, based in Cascina Costa, Italy. The AgustaWestland US subsidiary in Arlington, Texas (AgustaWestland Tilt-Rotor Company) is, since February 2012, the Type applicant for the AW609 TiltRotor and is now fully operational with the first prototype, continuing with envelope expansion activities.
The two flying prototypes have achieved more than 700 flight hours so far and will be joined by two more prototypes to complete the test activities. The flight test programme has validated nearly 90% of the AW609’s unique flight envelope including altitudes up to 25,000 feet and speeds up to 275 knots, all at the aircraft’s maximum weight. The third prototype, now being manufactured in Italy, will be devoted to icing certification testing while the fourth prototype will be used for the development and integration of new avionics and capabilities.
STOL (short takeoff and landing) procedures are being developed, to permit operations with a significant addition to the VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) maximum growth weight, to enhance the AW609 TiltRotor’s operational capability for specific applications.
Approximately 60 AW609 units have already been ordered so far by around 40 customers in over 20 countries to perform a range of commercial and government roles.
