The Bell/Agusta BA609 civil tiltrotor accomplished its first full conversion to aeroplane mode on 22 July, reaching 190kt (350km/h) with the proprotor nacelles tilted forward to the horizontal position. Flight testing of the BA609 resumed in early June.
Source: Flight International
Airbus Helicopters and partner PHI Aviation will shortly begin route-proving trials with the former’s H160 medium-twin in the Gulf of Mexico.
Piasecki Aircraft has secured new work for its ‘Heliplex’ facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, signing a collaboration agreement with Columbia Helicopters to upgrade Model 107 tandem-rotor helicopters to a new more fuel-efficient standard.
American Airlines has placed a conditional order for up to 100 units of ZeroAvia’s ZA2000RJ hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, while also deepening its investment in the advanced propulsion developer through participation in the company’s Series C fundraising round.
