Italian Navy Supports Sea Trials of AW609 Tiltrotor as Potential C-2 Greyhound Replacement.

On June 27, 2024, the Italian Navy supported sea trials of Leonardo's AW609, a tiltrotor aircraft designed to facilitate transfers between aircraft carriers and the mainland. This development comes as the US Navy prepares to retire its C-2 Greyhound aircraft, currently used for onboard carrier transport, and faces frequent operational restrictions with its V-22 Osprey tiltrotor fleet, for which the AW609 might serve as a potential replacement. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The AW609 Landing on Italian Carrier ITS Cavour  (Picture source: Leonardo)

The AW609 by Leonardo is engineered to offer a hybrid capability, combining the vertical takeoff and landing characteristics of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. The development of the AW609 began at the turn of the millennium as a joint venture between American manufacturer Bell Helicopter and the Italian company Agusta, which later became an integral part of Leonardo. The project faced several setbacks, including the loss of a prototype in 2015, significantly delaying its progress.

Under Leonardo's renewed leadership, the AW609 resumed development, accumulating 1900 hours of test flights in Italy and the United States. The latest testing session took place in April, facilitated by the Italian Navy, which provided the light aircraft carrier ITS Cavour for the tests. The AW609 tested was indicative of the final production configuration and successfully completed numerous takeoff and landing procedures under various conditions, including direct and lateral approaches as well as vertical landings and takeoffs.

These tests were part of a collaborative effort involving Leonardo, the Italian Navy, the Italian Army, and the Guardia di Finanza (Customs Police), aimed at evaluating the potential of tiltrotor technology to complement the existing assets of government services. This working group, established in 2022, aims to assess the capabilities of such aircraft for transport and maritime surveillance. The data collected from these trials will undergo a detailed analysis to potentially refine the AW609 for maritime operations.

Overview of the AW609 capabilities(Picture source: Leonardo)

The AW609 Tiltrotor is an innovative aircraft that combines the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of an airplane. Its development started in the late 1990s as a joint venture between Bell Helicopter and Agusta, but after various development issues, including a fatal accident in 2015, Leonardo took full control of the project.

The AW609 features tilting rotors that enable it to take off and land vertically. It is equipped to carry up to 9 passengers or 2.5 tons of cargo, reaching cruising speeds of 509 km/h and a range of 1852 km. The aircraft's pressurized cabin allows operation at higher altitudes, enhancing comfort and expanding operational possibilities compared to traditional helicopters.

Production of the AW609 began with the first aircraft in a production-representative configuration taking to the skies in 2022. Currently, the AW609 is still in advanced stages of testing and certification, with Leonardo aiming for civil certification through the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Although not yet in service, the AW609 is expected to enter service soon, with the Joint Aviation Command of the United Arab Emirates slated as the first operator. This tiltrotor is particularly appealing for its potential applications in search and rescue (SAR), VIP transport, and logistical support between ships and shore, leveraging its unique capabilities to operate effectively in diverse environments.