Rotorcraft
Leonardo Reports Substantial Progress on AW609 Tiltrotor
By year-end, Leonardo will begin fuselage fatigue test certification.
According to Italy-based Leonardo Helicopters, the AW609 civil tiltrotor will enter service in 2019. The aircraft recently finished artificial ice testing and will soon begin natural ice trials, as well as fatigue testing. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)
According to Italy-based Leonardo Helicopters, the AW609 civil tiltrotor will enter service in 2019. The aircraft recently finished artificial ice testing and will soon begin natural ice trials, as well as fatigue testing. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)

In a major program update on the AW609, Leonardo Helicopters said the civil tiltrotor program remains on track for entry into service in 2019. “The team is fully committed and well integrated with the regulatory authorities to achieve this timeline. We continue to finalize the plans for all of the certification documentation with the FAA,” the company said as part of a detailed program update statement released to AIN on October 18.