Widgeon,
No production a/c yet. #3 and #4 are now due to join the test program in 2011 (Cascina Costa) and 2012 (Fort Worth). #1 and #2 have logged 550 flight hours to date. #1 was grounded for a while earlier this year due to a proprotor gearbox crack, reported by
Helicopter International to be attributed to 'extreme handling,' possibly during the
OEI trials for which Roy Hopkins and Jeff Greenwood were given the
2010 AHS Frederick L. Feinberg award.
The anticipated announcement regarding the realignment of the Bell/Agusta partnership did not happen, and it would appear the discussions are still on-going.
Av Week confirmed earlier this year that the Italian government is likely to bail out the program with an order for up to 50 BA609s for the various Italian government agencies (GdF, Guardia Costiera, Carabinieri etc.)
Av Week also reported that the program will need $1 billion to complete development and put into production, hence the on-going discussions between the partners...
I/C