This Italian navy AW101 crew got a close-up look this week at the cabin and cockpit of the second prototype of Bell/Agusta BA609 tiltrotor during a fly-stop at AgustaWestland's BA609 development facility inside the Italian air force's Cameri base near Novara, in northern Italy. Together with its US-based sister, the two prototypes have amassed more than 350 flying hours. At this year's Farnborough air show, Bell/Agusta unveiled a BA609 SAR variant mock-up in Italian colours. The aircraft is capable of hoist recovery of up to six people more than 500km (300nm) from a shore base.

BA609 
 

Source: Flight International