The AW609 tiltrotor program has reached a significant milestone with its first successful ship trial, conducted with support from the Italian Navy. From April 3-12, the AW609 AC4 aircraft, representing the final production configuration, performed demonstration trials moving from Leonardo’s facility in Cascina Costa to Maristaer Grottaglie Naval Base. The aircraft executed take-offs and landings from the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour, demonstrating effective approach and deck landing capabilities.
The trials highlighted the unique advantages of Leonardo’s tiltrotor in a maritime environment, showcasing its compliance with rigorous operational and safety standards. This positions the AW609 to meet various government and public service needs in Italy and globally.
The demonstration phase included an initial test campaign in a synthetic environment using the AW609 simulator at Cascina Costa. Digital twin applications provided preliminary assessments of activities and maneuvers, enhancing capability development, time efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The aircraft performed deck landings and take-offs in over 15 different conditions, including various wind scenarios.
These trials are part of the ongoing efforts of 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 aims to evaluate the potential of tiltrotor technologies as complementary to existing government assets, offering fast long-range capabilities with vertical take-off and landing. The group's assessments focus on the benefits for logistic transport and, in the future, maritime surveillance.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, emphasized the importance of fast rotorcraft technologies in their capability development. He noted that the recent ship trials, supported by the Italian Navy, are crucial in advancing government applications and leading international tiltrotor initiatives.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, highlighted the unmatched performance and versatility of the AW609 demonstrated in these trials. He expressed appreciation for the partners involved and anticipation for the next stages of evaluation.
Following these trials, Leonardo will analyze the collected data to refine approaches and enhance the platform for naval operations. The AW609, designed for fast point-to-point transportation over long distances, accommodates up to nine passengers in a pressurized cabin and is set to transform various missions, including public and government roles. The program has logged over 1,900 flight hours in Italy and the USA, leveraging Leonardo’s industrial and technological capabilities in the fast rotorcraft domain.
