A perfect example of how difficult it can be to bring an advanced commercial rotorcraft model to market is that of Bell with the 609 tiltrotor.
From Wiki:
In 1996, Bell and Boeing had formed a partnership to develop a civil aircraft; however, in March 1998, Boeing pulled out of the project. In September 1998, it was announced that Agusta was now a partner in the development program.[1] This led to the establishment of the Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC), a joint venture between Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland, to develop and manufacture the aircraft.[2]
...
On 21 September 2009, AgustaWestland chief executive Giuseppe Orsi said that corporate parent Finmeccanica had authorised buying Bell Helicopter out of the program in order to speed it up.[10] By 2011, negotiations centred on the full transfer of technologies shared with the V-22.[11][12] At the 2011 Paris Air Show, AgustaWestland stated that it will assume full ownership of the programme, redesignating the aircraft as "AW609", and that Bell Helicopter will remain in the role of component design and certification.[13] In November 2011, the exchange of ownership was completed, following the granting of regulatory approval.[8]
Riff_raff, it seems even when they were the driver seat for new technology Boeing and Bell pulled out. While they were selling quiet well it seems.
I would also point out that Sikorsky/UTC is spending its own money to develop the S-97 model.
Reading the
PR it seems they are competing for a US DoD program. It sure looks like a promising design. Maybe civil spin off in a later stage. As far as I can see there's nearly always NASA, Darpha and or AFRL contributions in. Indirectly, providing basic technology, patents, facilities, resources. Just like in Europe.