The first flight of the Bell/Agusta BA609 civil tiltrotor is now targeted for early next year as system check-out of the lead aircraft nears completion, in readiness for the start of powered ground runs in December using an elevated ramp. Bell confirms that it is now aiming for US certification in January 2007. The BA609 was originally due to enter civil service this year, but the programme has been hit by the knock-on effects of an 18-month-long grounding of the V-22 and a squeeze on company funds.
Source: Flight International