Leonardo's AW609 Tiltrotor Completes First Ship Trial

Leonardo’s AW609 tiltrotor aircraft recently completed its first ship trial with support from the Italian Navy.

From April 3-12, the AW609 AC4 aircraft, fully representative of the final production configuration, conducted demonstration trials. These trials involved relocating from Leonardo’s facility in Cascina Costa (Samarate) to the Maristaer Grottaglie Naval Base.

During the trials, the tiltrotor, piloted by test pilots and flight test engineers from Leonardo and supported by Italian Navy personnel, took off from the naval base. It then proceeded inbound from the Italian aircraft carrier ITS CAVOUR, the Navy Fleet Flagship, located 20 nautical miles offshore. The aircraft demonstrated its effective approach, stable deck landing, and touchdown capabilities.

The demonstration phase included an initial test campaign conducted in a synthetic environment using the AW609 development/engineering simulator in Cascina Costa. Digital twin applications provided a preliminary assessment of the activities and maneuvers later performed in operation, enhancing capability development, reducing time, and improving safety and sustainability. Deck landing and take-off procedures were tested in over 15 different conditions, including various wind scenarios, and featured straight-in and lateral approaches, vertical landings, vertical take-offs, and lateral exits.

These demonstration trials are part of the ongoing efforts of a joint working group established in 2022, which includes Leonardo, the Italian Navy, the Italian Army, and Guardia di Finanza (Italy’s Customs Police). The group aims to evaluate the potential of tiltrotor technologies as complementary capabilities to existing government assets, providing fast, long-range capability with vertical take-off and landing, and high-speed cruise capabilities above the weather, thanks to the AW609’s pressurized cabin and high-altitude performance. The group's assessment will help determine the benefits for logistic transport and, in the future, maritime surveillance.

Following the first ship trials campaign, Leonardo will conduct a detailed evaluation and analysis of the collected data. This analysis will enable follow-on trials to refine approaches and drive further platform enhancements for naval and embarked operations.

The AW609 offers fast point-to-point transportation over long ranges, allowing timely access to remote locations and hosting up to nine passengers in a pressurized cabin. It is designed to transform various missions, including public services and government roles. To date, the program has logged over 1,900 flight hours in Italy and the USA.