AW609 Tiltrotor Successfully Completes Historic Ship Trial with Italian Navy

The Leonardo AW609 tiltrotor programme has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the aviation industry. From April 3rd to 12th, the AW609 AC4 aircraft, representing the final production configuration, successfully completed its first ship trial with the Italian Navy. This landmark event took place at the Maristaer Grottaglie Naval Base, marking a significant step forward for tiltrotor technology and its applications in maritime environments.

The trial began at Leonardo's facility in Cascina Costa (Samarate) and involved a series of demonstration flights from the base to the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour, the flagship of the Navy Fleet. The AW609, equipped with test pilots and flight test engineers from Leonardo and supported by Italian Navy personnel, showcased its impressive approach, stable deck landing, and touchdown capabilities. This demonstration provided an invaluable opportunity to highlight the exceptional advantages of Leonardo's tiltrotor in a maritime setting.

The AW609 tiltrotor is poised to become the world's first tiltrotor to achieve civil certification, meeting stringent operational and safety standards. This positions it as an ideal solution for a variety of government and public service needs, both in Italy and globally. The recent ship trial underscores its potential to revolutionize vertical lift capabilities, combining the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft with the versatility of a helicopter.

Central to the demonstration phase was an initial test campaign conducted in a synthetic environment using the AW609 development/engineering simulator located in Cascina Costa. This digital twin technology allowed for a preliminary assessment of the planned activities and maneuvers, enhancing capability development, reducing time, improving safety, and promoting sustainability. During the trials, the AW609 executed deck landing and take-off procedures in over 15 different conditions, including various wind scenarios, and demonstrated straight-in and lateral approaches, vertical landings, vertical take-offs, and lateral exits.

These trials are part of the ongoing efforts by a joint working group established in 2022, which includes Leonardo, the Italian Navy, the Italian Army, and the Guardia di Finanza (Italy's Customs Police). The group is exploring the potential of tiltrotor technologies as complementary assets to existing government services, offering fast, long-range capabilities with vertical take-off and landing. The AW609's pressurized cabin and high-altitude performance enable it to operate above adverse weather conditions, making it a valuable asset for logistic transport and, potentially, maritime surveillance.

Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, emphasized the significance of fast rotorcraft technologies in advancing vertical lift capabilities. "The recent ship trials in Italy, with the strong support of the Italian Navy and the collaboration of the Italian Army and Guardia di Finanza, represent a crucial step towards developing government applications. This reinforces our position to lead tiltrotor-based initiatives internationally and to meet future emerging requirements."

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unique advantages of the AW609 tiltrotor. "The success of these trials marks a major capability demonstration milestone, showcasing the unmatched combination of high performance and versatility of the AW609. This experience provides a significant opportunity to appreciate the benefits that can revolutionize various missions and open new operational possibilities."

Following the ship trials, Leonardo will conduct a detailed evaluation and analysis of the collected data. This will inform potential follow-on trials to refine approaches and drive further enhancements for operations in naval and embarked environments. The AW609, designed for fast point-to-point transportation over long ranges, offers timely access to remote locations and can host up to nine passengers in the comfort of a pressurized cabin. With over 1,900 flight hours logged in Italy and the USA, the AW609 is set to transform a variety of missions, including public services and government roles.

Leonardo's commitment to advancing tiltrotor technology positions it as a leading player in the fast rotorcraft domain. The AW609's successful ship trial marks a significant step towards meeting future operational needs, showcasing the potential of tiltrotor architectures to provide innovative solutions in the aviation industry.