Leonardo revealed on Wednesday that it had carried out a test campaign on a ship with its AW609 civil tiltrotor.
Tests aboard the Italian Navy’s aircraft carrier Cavour took place in April, however, and have only now been confirmed.
The AC4 test aircraft was on board the flagship between April 3 and 12 with flights from Maristaer Grottaglie Naval Base.
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The tests were agreed between Leonardo and the Italian Navy to evaluate the potential for using tiltrotor technologies in government operations.
According to the company, landing and takeoff procedures were carried out on the deck in more than 15 different conditions (including wind conditions), direct and lateral approach, vertical landing, vertical takeoff and lateral departure.
“The recent ship trials in Italy with the strong support of the Italian Navy, within the framework of the working group also joined by the Italian Army and Guardia di Finanza, represent an important step towards the development of government applications as we reinforce our position to lead tiltrotor-based initiatives internationally and to meet future emerging requirements,” said Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo.
The AW609 is the only tiltrotor in the world aimed at civil applications. The aircraft’s development was initiated by Bell and later included the participation of Agusta, now part of Leonardo.
Although it offers unique performance, which combines the virtues of airplanes and helicopters, the AW609 has been undergoing testing for many years in order to obtain FAA type certification.
Leonardo installed an assembly line, training and support area for its future customers in Philadelphia, USA.
Despite the manufacturer’s efforts, there is no known deadline for the aircraft’s entry into service.