Bell 609 Civil Tiltrotor Gets Worldwide Interest

There now are commitments for some 70 Bell 609 tiltrotor aircraft from 40 civil customers representing 17 countries, Bell's 609 program manager said here Tuesday.

Don Barbour said the program "has been very well received by imaginative customers all over the world."

To meet demand, Bell is working toward certification initially with the FAA, the Canadian CAA and European JAA. Certification in other countries will follow where needed. Certificated deliveries are planned to begin in the second quarter of 2002.

It's still the Bell 609, though. An agreement with Agusta that would change its name to the Bell/Agusta BA-609 is pending company board and government approvals. Is there any "real" name in mind for the unique aircraft? Barbour was asked.

"We'll surprise you on that," he said.

By Jim Street