Bell/Agusta BA609
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The Bell/Agusta BA609 is a civil twin-engined tiltrotor VTOL aircraft with a configuration similar to the Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey. It is being developed by Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC), a joint venture between Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland.
History
The first ground tests of the BA609 began December 6 2002. The first flight took place on March 6 2003 in Arlington (Texas/USA) with Roy Hopkins and Dwayne Williams at the controls. The aircraft is laid out for 1-2 crew members and up to 9 passengers. BAAC officials claim that 65 airplanes were ordered (as of July 2004).
Although similar on the exterior, the BA609 is a much smaller aircraft than the V-22. However, some system commonality with the Osprey may be assumed.
General Characteristics
- Propulsion: 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A @ 1447 kW
- Dimension:
- Length: 13.31 m
- Height: 4.5 m
- Wingspan: 10 m
- Rotor diameter: 7.93 m
- Weight:
- Empty: 4765 kg
- Payload: 2500 kg
- Max: 7260 kg
- Max cruise speed: 510 km/h
- Service ceiling: 7625 m
- Range: 1390 km
- Cost: 10 Mio USD
- Operating cost: 875 USD/h
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