Bell Agusta BA609

The tiltrotor aircraft built to combine helicopter access with turboprop speed.

Overview

Bell United States ICAO: B609 2011–Onward Active $14 million

The Bell Agusta BA609, later known as the AW609, is a tiltrotor aircraft designed for civil markets. Developed to blend vertical takeoff capability with fixed-wing cruise performance, it first flew in the early 2000s. The program has experienced extended development timelines.

Live Fleet Activity (B609)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67A
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 1,940 shp · 1,447 kW
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Pro-line 21
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
9 economy · 6 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
5 ft 0 in  ·  1.52 m
Cabin height
4 ft 8 in  ·  1.42 m
Cabin length
17 ft 6 in  ·  5.33 m
Exterior length
43 ft 8 in  ·  13.30 m
Tail height
14 ft 9 in  ·  4.50 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 3 in  ·  1.60 m
Wing span
60 ft 0 in  ·  18.30 m
Baggage volume
49 ft³  ·  1.4 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
16,800 lb  ·  7,600 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
5,500 lb  ·  2,500 kg
Fuel capacity
370 gal · 1,400 L · 1,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
275 kt  ·  316 mph  ·  509 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,000 nm  ·  1,150 mi  ·  1,850 km
Fuel burn
2.00 nm/gal  ·  0.98 km/L
Ceiling
25,000 ft  ·  7,600 m
Rate of climb
1,500 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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A Bell/Agusta BA609 in airplane mode

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Operational Context

Bell Agusta BA609 — civil tiltrotor aircraft

The BA609 first flew in 2003 as a joint venture between Bell and Agusta. It features rotating nacelles that allow vertical takeoff and landing before transitioning to forward flight as a turboprop airplane. The design aims to offer greater speed and range than conventional helicopters.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A turboshaft engines producing approximately 1,940 shaft horsepower each, the BA609 is projected to cruise at around 275 knots (510 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 16,000 pounds (7,260 kg). The cabin is designed for up to nine occupants.

The tiltrotor concept targets executive transport and emergency services. Certification efforts have continued for more than a decade. The BA609 represents one of the first attempts to introduce tiltrotor technology to the civil market.