Editing Leonardo AW609 (section)

==Development==

===Origins and program changes===
[[File:BA609 01.jpg|thumb|An AW609 performing a flight display while in helicopter mode at the [[Paris Air Show]], 2007]]

The BA609 drew on experience gained from Bell's earlier experimental tiltrotor, the [[Bell XV-15|XV-15]].<ref name="nasaXv15">{{cite book |url=https://history.nasa.gov/monograph17.pdf |title=The History of the XV-15 Tilt Rotor Research Aircraft |publisher=NASA |first1=Martin D. |last1=Maisel |first2=Demo J. |last2=Giulianetti |first3=Daniel C. |last3=Dugan |series=Monographs in Aerospace History No. 17 |year=2000 |isbn=0-16-050276-4 |id=NASA SP-2000-4517}}</ref><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112936/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-55075488.html XV-15 Completes Demonstration On Coast Guard Cutter]" ''Helicopter News'' </ref> In 1996, Bell and Boeing formed a partnership to develop a civil tiltrotor aircraft. In March 1998, Boeing pulled out of the project. In September 1998, Agusta became a partner in the development program.<ref name="nasaXv15"/> This led to the establishment of the [[Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company]] (BAAC), a joint venture between [[Bell Helicopter]] and [[AgustaWestland]], to develop and manufacture the aircraft, which was named Bell-Agusta AB-609; the two companies simultaneously worked on a conventional medium helicopter project (the [[AgustaWestland AW139|Agusta-Bell AB139]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-23 |title=The AB139: Filling The Market Gap - Rotor & Wing International |url=https://www.rotorandwing.com/2005/05/01/the-ab139-filling-the-market-gap/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |archive-date=23 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023200148/https://www.rotorandwing.com/2005/05/01/the-ab139-filling-the-market-gap/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Frawley Civil">{{cite book |title=The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003–2004 |publisher=Aerospace Publications |first=Gerard |last=Frawley |page=48 |year=2003 |isbn=1-875671-58-7}}</ref> 

The Italian government subsidized Agusta's development of a military tiltrotor, and as the AW609 has civilian aspects, the [[European Commission]] requires AgustaWestland to pay back progressive amounts per aircraft to the Italian state to avoid a distortion of competition.<ref>{{Cite news |title=State aid: Commission agrees with Italy amount of subsidies Augusta Westland needs to reimburse for projects that have civilian uses |newspaper=States News Service |url-access= |access-date=9 March 2015 |date= |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-246262838.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402194341/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-246262838.html|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> {{asof|2015}}, Bell continues to perform contract work on the AW609 program, while considering commercial potential for the bigger [[Bell V-280 Valor|V-280 tiltrotor]], where military production may reach [[Mass production|larger numbers]] and hence reduce [[unit cost]].<ref>Black, Thomas. "[http://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article35969325.html Bell Helicopter exploring civilian market for new tilt-rotor aircraft]" [https://web.archive.org/web/20150922124321/http://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article35969325.html Archive]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/eb32b40a-5466-11e4-84c6-00144feab7de.html |title=Helicopter market eyes civilian tilt-rotor models |work=Financial Times |date=20 October 2014 |access-date=30 October 2015}}</ref><!--Bell out, then in on TR. Possible link to Boeing weapon restrictions. AW609 is possibly risk reduction for V-280--> In 2016, Bell preferred the 609 for commercial applications and kept the V-280 for military use only. Bell stated that conventional helicopters were not part of Bell's future for military customers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/heli-expo-bell-rules-out-future-conventional-milita-422537/ |title=HELI-EXPO: Bell rules out future conventional military helicopter developments |work=Flightglobal.com |access-date=7 March 2016}}</ref>

The aircraft's purpose is to take off and land vertically, but fly faster than a helicopter.{{sfn|Venanzi|Wells|2013|p=5}} Over 45 different aircraft <!-- non-helicopters --> have flown proving VTOL and STOL capabilities, of which the V-22, [[Harrier jump jet|Harrier "jump jet" family]], [[Yakovlev Yak-38]] and [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II]] jets have proceeded to production.{{sfn|Venanzi|Wells|2013|p=37}}<ref name=osb3/> By 2008, Bell had estimated that [[very light jet]]s and large offshore helicopters like the [[Sikorsky S-92]] had reduced the potential market for tiltrotors.<ref>{{Cite news |first=James T. |last=McKenna |title=Are the S-92 and Light Jets Shrinking the BA609 Market? |newspaper=Rotor & Wing |url-access= |date=15 March 2008 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-177035787.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151351/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-177035787.html|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> Also in 2008, it was reported that limited funding of the program by both Bell and AgustaWestland had resulted in slow flight testing progress.<ref name=ain2011-06-30/><ref name=shep2011-03/>

In September 2009, AgustaWestland chief executive Giuseppe Orsi said that corporate parent [[Finmeccanica]] had authorised buying Bell Helicopter out of the program to speed it up,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/agustawestland-looks-to-take-full-control-of-ba609-civil-tiltrotor-programme-332427/ |title=AgustaWestland looks to take full control of BA609 civil tiltrotor programme |work=Flight International |via=FlightGlobal.com |first=Luca |last=Peruzzi |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> as Bell was dissatisfied with the commercial prospects<ref name=shep2011-11>{{cite news |url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/agustawestland-and-bell-complete-609-transaction/ |title=AgustaWestland and Bell complete 609 transaction |work=Shephard Media |first=Tony |last=Skinner |date=29 November 2011 |access-date=7 August 2014}}</ref> and wanted to spend the resources on other programs.<ref name=ain2011-06-30/> In 2013 AgustaWestland estimated a market of 700 aircraft over 20 years.<ref name="ain 2013"/><!--move or copy to ==Operational history== ?--> By 2011, negotiations centred on the full transfer of technologies shared with the V-22,<ref name=shep2011-03>{{cite news |url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/heli-expo-2011-agustawestland-to-take-over-ba609-tiltrotor-project/8496/ |title=Heli-Expo 2011: AgustaWestland to take over BA609 tiltrotor project |work=Shephard Media |first=Tony |last=Osborne |date=5 March 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-agustawestland-disagree-on-future-of-ba609-partnership-354196/ |title=Bell, AgustaWestland disagree on future of BA609 partnership |work=Flight International |via= FlightGlobal.com |first=Stephen |last=Trimble |date=14 March 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> however Bell stated that no technology was shared with the V-22.<ref name=ain2011-06-30>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Huber |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2011-06-30/agustawestland-buys-bells-stake-ba609-tiltrotor |title=AgustaWestland Buys Bell's Stake in BA609 Tiltrotor |work=Aviation International News |date=30 June 2011 |access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> At the 2011 Paris Air Show, AgustaWestland stated that it will assume full ownership of the programme, redesignating the aircraft as "AW609", and that [[Bell Helicopter]] will remain in the role of component design and certification.<ref name="aw201106">{{cite press release |url=http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-takes-full-ownership-ba609-programme |title=AgustaWestland Takes Full Ownership of the BA609 Programme |publisher=AgustaWestland |date=21 June 2011 |access-date=21 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627061713/http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-takes-full-ownership-ba609-programme |archive-date=27 June 2011 }}</ref> In November 2011, the exchange of ownership was completed, following the granting of regulatory approval<ref name=Wynbrandt/> - media estimated that the transfer happened at little cost.<ref name=ain2012-01-03>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Huber |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2012-01-03/finmeccanica-slide-could-impact-new-agustawestland-programs |title=Finmeccanica Slide Could Impact New AgustaWestland Programs |work=Aviation International News |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref>

===Testing===
[[File:BA609 in hover mode at 2008 Farnborough Airshow 01.jpg|thumb|left|BA609 in hover mode, 2008]]

On 6 December 2002, the first ground tests of the BA609 prototype began. The first flight took place on 7 March 2003 in [[Arlington, Texas]], flown by test pilots Roy Hopkins and Dwayne Williams.<ref>{{Cite conference |author1=Fortenbaugh, Robert |author2=Hopkins, Roy II |author3=King, David |chapter=BA609 First Flight VSTOL Handling Qualities |title=American Helicopter Society 60th Annual Forum |date=2004 |url=https://vtol.org/store/product/ba609-first-flight-vstol-handling-qualities-4028.cfm |language=en |publisher=The Vertical Flight Society}}</ref> After 14 hours of helicopter-mode flight testing, the prototype was moved to a ground testing rig to study the operational effects of the conversion modes.<ref name="AHS March 2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.vtol.org/news/issues305.html#ba609 |title=BA609 Ground Runs Convert Helicopter To Airplane |work=VTOL.org |publisher=[[American Helicopter Society]] |date=March 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927054320/http://www.vtol.org/news/issues605.html#bell |archive-date=27 September 2006}}</ref> Following the completion of ground-based testing, on 3 June 2005 the prototype resumed flight testing, focusing on the expansion of its [[flight envelope]].<ref name="AHS June 2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.vtol.org/news/issues605.html#bell |title=Bell Returns BA609 to Test Flight |work=VTOL.org |publisher=[[American Helicopter Society]] |date=June 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927054320/http://www.vtol.org/news/issues605.html#bell |archive-date=27 September 2006}}</ref> On 22 July 2005, the first conversion from helicopter to aeroplane mode while in flight took place.<ref name="AHS July 2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.vtol.org/news/issues705.html#tilt |title=BA609 Tilt Rotor Makes Airplane Conversion |work=VTOL.org |publisher=[[American Helicopter Society]] |date=July 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927054404/http://www.vtol.org/news/issues705.html#tilt |archive-date=27 September 2006}}</ref> 

[[File:BA609 in airplane mode at 2008 Farnborough Airshow.jpg|thumb|An AW609 performing a flight demonstration in airplane mode at the 2008 [[Farnborough Airshow]]]]
By October 2008, 365 flight-hours had been logged by two prototype aircraft.<ref name="ain081007">{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/ba609-civil-tiltrotor-still-on-schedule/ |title=BA609 Civil Tiltrotor Still on Schedule |work=Aviation International News |first=R. Randall |last=Padfield |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=20 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016155545/http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/ba609-civil-tiltrotor-still-on-schedule/ |archive-date=16 October 2008 }}</ref> The AW609 demonstrated a safe dual-engine failure in normal cruise flight on 15 May 2009.{{sfn|Venanzi|Wells|2013|p=32}} By February 2012, this had risen to 650 hours, and it was reported that 85 per cent of the AW609's flight envelope had been explored.<ref name=Wynbrandt>{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/hai-convention-news/2012-02-11/aw609-finally-ready-its-close |title=AW609 Finally Ready for its Close-up |work=Aviation International News |first=James |last=Wynbrandt |date=11 February 2012 |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214172623/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/hai-convention-news/2012-02-11/aw609-finally-ready-its-close }}</ref> Test pilot Paul Edwards has stated that the AW609 was not susceptible to the [[vortex ring state]] phenomena, naturally slipping out of the vortex on its own since both rotors will not simultaneously enter the vortex ring state.<ref name="flglobal20150916">{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/agustawestland-prepares-for-aw609-certification-push-416790/ |title=AgustaWestland prepares for AW609 certification push |work=Flightglobal.com |first=Dominic |last=Perry |date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919170947/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/agustawestland-prepares-for-aw609-certification-push-416790/ |archive-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, AgustaWestland began construction of a third prototype. That prototype was still not fully assembled by February 2015. The company plans to conduct test flights in Italy in the summer of 2015.  AgustaWestland planned to then disassemble it and ship it to [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], to prepare it for tests of the de-icing system in [[Minnesota]]. A fourth prototype, to be used in the development and testing of new avionics and control systems, was also underway.<ref>{{cite journal |title=AgustaWestland at full tilt to deliver AW609 on time |journal=Flight International |first=Kate |last=Sarsfield |volume=180 |issue=5320 |page=18 |date=6 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first=Tony |last=Osbourne |title=Tilting times |journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology |date=2–15 March 2015 |pages=52–3}}</ref> By November 2012, over 700 flight hours had been accumulated by the two operational prototypes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-agustawestland-exploits-buoyant-civil-helicopter-market-378588/ |title=In focus: AgustaWestland exploits buoyant civil helicopter mark |work=Flight International via FlightGlobal.com |first=Murdo |last=Morrison |date=13 November 2012}}</ref> In January 2014, it was reported that in excess of 850 flying hours had been accumulated by the two prototypes. Accumulated flight data is used to further develop representative simulators, which are in turn being used to support the development program.<ref name=sim1>{{cite news |url=http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Flying-the-AW609:-a-preview |title=Flying the AW609: A Preview |work=Vertical |first=Elan |last=Head |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref>

By March 2015, the two prototype aircraft had accumulated 1,200 hours, of about 2,000 hours necessary for certification.<ref name="ain2015-03-03"/> Two more aircraft were expected to fly that year.<ref name="avweb20150303"/> Flight test maximums had progressed to a weight of {{convert|18000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, a speed of {{convert|293|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|30000|ft|m|abbr=on}} altitude.<ref name=vert2015-03-05>{{cite news |url=http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/AW609TiltrotorMakingStridesTowardCertification |title=AW609 Tiltrotor Making Strides Toward Certification |work=Vertical Magazine |first=Rob |last=Erdos |date=5 March 2015 |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> In 2015, AgustaWestland reported that the AW609 flew {{convert|1161|km|mi|order=flip}} from [[Yeovil]], UK, to [[Milan]], Italy, in 2 hours 18 minutes.<ref name="finmec20150915">{{cite press release |url=http://www.finmeccanica.com/en/-/aw609-record |title=The AW609 TiltRotor sets speed record on 1000 km journey: 2 hours 18 minutes from UK to Italy |publisher=Finmeccanica |date=15 September 2015 |access-date=15 September 2015}}</ref> In September 2015, the first AW609 prototype was reportedly nearing the end of its service life, while a third prototype was finishing construction at the company's [[Vergiate]] facility and a fourth prototype was being built in [[Philadelphia]].<ref name="flglobal20150916"/>

On 30 October 2015, the second of the two prototypes (N609AG) crashed near AgustaWestland's [[Vergiate]] facility in north west Italy, killing both pilots.<ref name=fg20151030>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aw609-crash-kills-two-pilots-in-northern-italy-418429/ |title=AW609 crash kills two pilots in northern Italy |work=FlightGlobal.com |first=Dominic |last=Perry |date=30 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=AW609 crash: final report points to oscillations and flight control laws | website=Vertical Mag | date=15 May 2017 | url=https://verticalmag.com/news/aw609-crash-final-report-points-oscillations-flight-control-laws/#:~:text=The%20aircraft's%20excessive%20yaw%20angle,in%2Dflight%20breakup%20and%20fire | access-date=16 February 2024}}</ref>

===Certification===
[[File:AgustaWestland AW-609 N609AG (cn 60002) static display (21471922133).jpg|thumb|An AW609 on static display in 2009]]

In 2002, [[Type certificate|Type certification]] of the aircraft was projected for 2007.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-aiming-for-ba609-certification-in-2007-155986/ |title=Bell aiming for BA609 certification in 2007 |work=[[Flightglobal]] |publisher=Reed Business Information |date=8 October 2002 |access-date=8 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308152318/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-aiming-for-ba609-certification-in-2007-155986/ |archive-date=8 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2007, certification was projected for 2011.<ref name="BellAugusta_PressRelease_2007">{{cite press release |url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_07_0618-04_609_TestPace.cfm |title=BAAC 609 Flight Test Continues Development Pace |publisher=Bell Helicopter |first1=Mike |last1=Cox |first2=Greg |last2=Hubbard |date=18 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715164819/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_07_0618-04_609_TestPace.cfm |archive-date=15 July 2007}}</ref> In August 2012, the aircraft was forecast to receive [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) and [[European Aviation Safety Agency]] (EASA) certification in early 2016.<ref name="ain aug 2012">{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2012-08-02/agustawestland-taps-pwc-rockwell-collins-and-bae-aw609-civil-tiltrotor |title=AgustaWestland Taps P&WC, Rockwell Collins and BAE for AW609 Civil Tiltrotor |work=Aviation International News |first=Matt |last=Thurber |date=2 August 2012 |access-date=9 August 2012 |archive-date=10 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810015829/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2012-08-02/agustawestland-taps-pwc-rockwell-collins-and-bae-aw609-civil-tiltrotor |url-status=dead }}</ref> The company expected to achieve FAA certification in 2017.<ref name=aw2013-12-02>{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/certification-flight-test-work-nears-aw609 |title=Certification Flight-Test Work Nears For AW609 |work=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |first=Tony |last=Osborne |date=2 December 2013 |access-date=16 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316213238/http://aviationweek.com/awin/certification-flight-test-work-nears-aw609 |archive-date=16 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Some delays were caused by lack of funding for the FAA,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62835354.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924161617/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62835354.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=FAA inaction threatens civilian tiltrotors |work=Helicopter News  |first=Oliver |last=Sutton |date=16 June 2000 |url-access= }}</ref> others by the V-22 troubles,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-96478546.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402204607/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-96478546.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |title=New aircraft will be 1st commercial tilt-rotor |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |first=Katie |last=Fairbank |date=13 January 2003 |access-date=9 March 2015 |url-access= }}</ref> while AgustaWestland also spent time increasing performance and reducing cost.<ref name="aw2013-12-02"/>

In 2012, the FAA stated that the AW609 was to be certified in compliance with both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft rules. New codes were to be developed to cover the transition phase between the two modes.<ref name="ain2012-07-09"/> Of the 217 Pilot Training Tasks, 10 are unique tiltrotor tasks.{{sfn|Venanzi|Wells|2013|p=16}} AW609 Certification Basis is established by the FAA under the provisions of Part 21.17(b) for "Special Class Aircraft" along with a portion of Part 25 ([[fixed-wing aircraft]]) and 29 (helicopter) and new specific tiltrotor parts{{sfn|Venanzi|Wells|2013|p=17}}<ref name="ain2012-07-09">{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2012-07-09/agustawestland-offers-higher-weight-aw609-option |title=AgustaWestland Offers Higher Weight AW609 Option |work=Aviation International News |first=Thierry |last=Dubois |date=9 July 2012 |access-date=13 March 2015}}</ref> in a new category called "[[powered lift]]".<ref name=aw2013-12-02/> In January 2013, the FAA defined US tiltrotor noise rules to comply with [[ICAO]] rules, expecting the AW609 to be available within 10 years. Noise certification will cost $588,000, which is the same as for a large helicopter.<ref name=tiltnoise>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/01/08/2013-00111/noise-certification-standards-for-tiltrotors |title=Noise Certification Standards for Tiltrotors |work=[[Federal Register]] |author=Federal Aviation Administration |date=8 January 2013 |access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aero-news.net/subscribe.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=98a33b6f-df48-4348-88bd-c66db2d8a24a |title=FAA Publishes Modified Noise Rules For Tiltrotors |work=Aero-News Network |date=11 January 2013 |access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref>

In February 2014, the AW609 conducted its first customer demonstration flights, in both airplane and helicopter modes,<ref name="ain20140226">{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/hai-convention-news/2014-02-26/agustawestland-offers-demo-flights-aw609-tiltrotor-heli-expo-2014 |title=AgustaWestland Offers Demo Flights on AW609 Tiltrotor at Heli-Expo 2014 |work=Aviation International News |first=James |last=Wynbrandt |date=26 February 2014 |access-date=3 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="augwest20140227">{{cite press release |url=http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-completes-first-customer-demonstration-aw609 |title=AgustaWestland Completes First Customer Demonstration of AW609 |publisher=AugustaWestland |date=27 February 2014 |access-date=2 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302233258/http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-completes-first-customer-demonstration-aw609 |archive-date=2 March 2014  }}</ref> and began certification flights.<ref name="osb1">{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/aw609-begins-certification-flying |title=AW609 Begins Certification Flying |work=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |first=Tony |last=Osborne |date=25 February 2014 |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817090608/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/aw609-begins-certification-flying |archive-date=17 August 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In early summer 2014, the AW609 performed FAA-monitored [[autorotation]] tests. More than 79<ref name="ain2015-03-03"/> power-off conversions from airplane mode to helicopter mode were made across 10 flight hours. During these tests, it was found that the minimum operating requirements for successful autorotation include the altitude being {{convert|3000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, and that the system keeps rotor [[revolutions per minute|rpm]] above the minimum 70% for stable recovery.<ref name="ainonline201407">{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2014-06-02/test-pilots-take-autorotating-tiltrotor |title=Test Pilot's Take on Autorotating the Tiltrotor |work=Aviation International News |first=Mark |last=Huber |date=2 June 2014 |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704003924/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2014-06-02/test-pilots-take-autorotating-tiltrotor |archive-date=4 July 2014}}</ref> The test pilots received the [[Iven C. Kincheloe Award]] for their role in the tests.<ref name="ain2015-03-03"/><ref name="agpr20141021">{{cite press release |url=http://www.leonardocompany.com/en/-/aw609-test-pilots-award |title=AW609 Test Pilots Receive Iven C. Kincheloe Award |publisher=AgustaWestland |date=21 October 2014 |access-date=4 March 2017}}</ref>

In February 2023, pilots from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flew the AW609 tiltrotor, representing the first time the regulator's pilots had flown the type. The [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] company described the flight as a pre-TIA (type inspection authorization) activity, as it moves towards the final stage of the certification process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAA pilots fly Leonardo AW609 for first time as certification enters 'final stage' |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/faa-pilots-fly-leonardo-aw609-for-first-time-as-certification-enters-final-stage/ |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}</ref> EASA pilots subsequently commenced familarisation flights in March 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=EASA pilots fly AW609 for first time |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/easa-pilots-fly-aw609-for-first-time/152606.article |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Flight Global |language=en-US}}</ref> with certification and entry into service projected to be sometime in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Twin tiltrotor milestones to slip into 2024, says Leonardo Helicopters |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/twin-tiltrotor-milestones-to-slip-into-2024-says-leonardo-helicopters/152347.article |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Flight Global |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Further developments===
[[File:AW609 at Dubai Airshow 2021.jpg|thumb|An AW609 at the Dubai Airshow, 2021]]
At the Farnborough Air Show in July 2012, AgustaWestland announced a higher-weight variant of the AW609, up to {{convert|17500|lb|kg|disp=or}}.<ref name="ain2015-03-03"/> This model would trade some of its vertical takeoff performance for increased payload capacity.<ref name="ain2012-07-09"/> Officials from AgustaWestland have suggested that this short take off and vertical landing ([[STOVL]]) variant may be an attractive option for [[search and rescue]] and maritime operators.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-global-demand-grows-for-helicopters-able-to-access-remote-oil-and-gas-fields-367860/ |title=In focus: Global demand grows for helicopters able to access remote oil and gas fields |work=Flight International via FlightGlobal.com |first=John |last=Croft |date=7 February 2012}}</ref> According to senior vice-president of marketing Roberto Garavaglia, the Italian government is interested in acquiring several AW609s for coastal patrol duties. Due to an agreement with Bell, these may not feature armament.<ref name="ain 2013"/><ref name=aw2013-12-02/>

In June 2013, AgustaWestland announced that work to integrate design changes as part of a major modernisation would delay the AW609's certification by up to one year.<ref name="2013 mod">{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/agustawestland-aw609-certification-slips-to-2017-386896/ |title=AgustaWestland AW609 certification slips to 2017 |work=Flight Internationals via FlightGlobal.com |first=Dominic |last=Perry |date=10 June 2013}}</ref> These design changes primarily involved aerodynamic improvements, aimed at achieving a 10% reduction in drag and a significant reduction in overall weight, increasing the AW609's performance and capabilities. Separate improvement programs were underway on the aircraft's engines and avionics systems.<ref name="fglobal20130913">{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/agustawestland-tests-enhancement-package-on-aw609-390534/ |title=AgustaWestland tests enhancement package on AW609 |work=Flight International |first=Dominic |last=Perry |date=13 September 2013 |access-date=16 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="awPr20130903">{{cite press release |url=http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-aw609-tiltrotor-aerodynamic-improvements-set-boost-performance |title=AgustaWestland AW609 TiltRotor Aerodynamic Improvements Set To Boost Performance |publisher=AgustaWestland |date=3 September 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141225190329/http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-aw609-tiltrotor-aerodynamic-improvements-set-boost-performance |archive-date=25 December 2014}}</ref> In 2015, AgustaWestland announced the development of [[Drop tank|external fuel tanks]] which would permit {{convert|800|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}} flights carrying six passengers over three hours.<ref name="awPr20150303">{{cite press release |url=http://www.agustawestland.com/-/aw1235 |title=AgustaWestland Announces Further AW609 TiltRotor Performance and Product Improvements |publisher=AgustaWestland |date=3 March 2015 |access-date=3 March 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150331011657/http://www.agustawestland.com/-/aw1235 |archive-date=31 March 2015 }}</ref> 

In 2013, AgustaWestland was considering a US-based final assembly point for production AW609s. Managing director Robert LaBelle stated that 35% of the customers for the tiltrotor are expected to come from the US market.<ref name="ain 2013">{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-01-01/agustawestland-aw609-moves-forward-may-be-built-texas |title=AgustaWestland AW609 Moves Forward, May Be Built in Texas |work=Aviation International News |first=Mark |last=Huber |date=1 January 2013}}</ref> Reportedly, the primary production line was to be located in Italy while a second production line in the US was under consideration.<ref name="2013 mod"/> In 2015 AgustaWestland announced that the AW609 will be produced at its [[Philadelphia]] facility,<ref name="avweb20150303">{{cite news |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Tiltrotor-Production-Planned-223646-1.html |title=Tiltrotor Production Planned |work=AVweb |first=Russ |last=Niles |date=3 March 2015 |access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="avtoday20150303">{{cite news |url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/AgustaWestland-Begins-Production-Phase-of-AW609-Tiltrotor_84365.html |title=AgustaWestland Begins Production Phase of AW609 Tiltrotor |work=Aviation Today |date=3 March 2015 |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150305162530/http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/AgustaWestland-Begins-Production-Phase-of-AW609-Tiltrotor_84365.html |archive-date=5 March 2015  }}</ref> the production site for the [[AgustaWestland AW139|AW139]], [[AgustaWestland AW119 Koala|AW119 KXe]] and [[AgustaWestland AW169|AW169]].<ref name="ain2015-03-03"/> Two to three AW609 aircraft will be assembled there beginning in 2017, and once production matures, a second final assembly line is being considered for Italy.<ref name="ain2015-03-03"/> Leonardo has a [[flight simulator]] in Philadelphia to assist pilot training in the peculiarities of flying a tiltrotor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Head |first1=Elan |title=Tiltrotor Training Tool: We fly the AW609 procedures trainer |url=https://verticalmag.com/features/tiltrotor-training-tool-we-fly-the-aw609-procedures-trainer/ |website=Vertical Mag |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220425152701/https://verticalmag.com/features/tiltrotor-training-tool-we-fly-the-aw609-procedures-trainer/ |archive-date=25 April 2022 |date=25 April 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, [[Bristow Helicopters]] and AgustaWestland agreed to develop dedicated offshore oil and gas transport, and search and rescue configurations for the AW609.<ref name="vertical20150303">{{cite press release |url=http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/AgustaWestlandandBristowSignExclusivePlatformDevelopmentAgre |title=AgustaWestland and Bristow Sign Exclusive Platform Development Agreement for the AW609 Tiltrotor Program |publisher=AgustaWestland |work=Vertical |date=3 March 2015 |access-date=3 March 2015}}</ref> In March 2015, Bristow Group signed a joint development agreement with AgustaWestland at [[Heli-Expo]], which would allow Bristow to exclusively direct the direction of the tiltrotor for offshore missions such as oil and gas operations.<ref name="avweek20150306">{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/bristow-taps-tiltrotors-future-needs |title=Bristow Taps Tiltrotors For Future Needs |work=Aviation Week |first=Tony |last=Osborne |date=6 March 2015 |access-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> The changes could extend beyond the AW609 to potentially affect the design of larger and more advanced models that AgustaWestland was planning to introduce in the early 2020s. The introduction of tiltrotors would allow for point-to-point operations, flying oil company personnel to platforms from major population centers with a greater margin of safety. Industry journalists viewed the agreement as an approval of the tiltrotor technology from the commercial industry, where previously only the military were interested.<ref name=osb3>{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/podcast-exciting-and-strange-developments-heli-expo |title=Podcast: Exciting And Strange Developments From Heli-Expo |work=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |first=Tony |last=Osborne |date=6 March 2015 |access-date=8 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="avweek20150306"/>

In the early 2020s there was interest in a military version; an AW609 for utility, medevac, or search and rescue versions began to be discussed more seriously.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mark Huber |title=Military Variant of Leonardo AW609 Appears a Likely Option for Government Customers |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2023-06-13/military-variant-leonardo-aw609-appears-likely |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref>