The tiltrotor is a type of airplane typically equipped with two engines overhead, that are able to rotate around the horizontal axis of the wings. This feature allows a tiltrotor generate an upward thrust, to take off like a helicopter, and subsequently to rotate the motors and generate a trust as a plane to move from point to point. Such aircraft then combines the advantage of being able to land and take off in a small space that can achieve high cruising speeds.
In September the tiltrotor AW609 AgustaWestland has established the speed record on a route a thousand kilometers “point to point”. The aircraft has in fact covered the distance of 1,161 km that separates the corporate site of Yeovil, in the south-east of England, from the plant in Cascina Costa di Samarate, near Milan, in just 2 hours and 18 minutes. According to the parent ensures the AW609, ultimately, a reduction of between 30% and 50% of the travel times to the combined use of the car, helicopter and business jets, in particular for distances greater than 1100 km. AgustaWestland tiltrotor, through a pressurized cabin that seats up to nine passengers, opens up opportunities for a wide range of uses which include, among other things, corporate transport, offshore transport to support the Oil & Gas, the search and rescue, emergency services and health missions to national security.
The certification of the AW609 tiltrotor by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is expected in 2017. Immediately after, AgustaWestland will begin deliveries of the aircraft.
AgustaWestland has posted a promotional video on YouTube in collaboration with Ducati very impressive just to support the high cruising speed reached by the aircraft!
