Italian convertible aircraft AW609 passes successful tests after taking off from aircraft carrier

The newest AW609 convertible aircraft developed by AgustaWestland, owned by the Italian engineering holding Leonardo, has made its first landing and take-off from the Italian Navy's Cavour aircraft carrier.

Here's What We Know

The AW609 has been tested in harsh conditions, including at sea, and has performed both civilian and military missions. Before the convertible aircraft landed and took off, the entire process was carried out using a special virtual simulator. The company said that the simulator helped to evaluate and optimise the manoeuvres.

The landing and take-off were practised in 15 different conditions, including wind conditions, including frontal and side approach, vertical landing and vertical take-off. These tests were the final stage of work by Leonardo and the Italian military to assess the potential of the convertible aircraft.

Flashback

The AW609 is a multi-role convertible aircraft developed jointly by engineers from Bell Helicopters and AgustaWestland, and is also considered the world's first civilian convertible.

Source: Leonardo