Bell 609 program in trouble?
Now in public..... BA609 project take over....
Heli-Expo 2011: AgustaWestland to take over BA609 tiltrotor project | Shephard Group
AgustaWestland has revealed it is in final negotiations to finally take full control of the long delayed BA609 civilian tiltrotor programme.
Having heard and seen both performances by both CEOs I believe that Orsi was telling the tale and Garrison was wrong footed.
I guess that Textron want lots of money out of the programme but the Italians are [lets go for the American term] playing Hard Ball.
It looks as if Bell are being starved of funds..... the still slightly portly 429 looked to be pretty much sidelined in the PR focus and everything was slung at the 407..... the BIG Bell launch was a Garmin glass cockpit..... any other company [except perhaps Brantly or Dinky] would have seen that as a Garmin upgrade and left it to Garmin.
They never even mentioned specifics on 429 or 412 Magellan at the press conference.
Oh but they mentioned something about some magazine voting them best deliverer of spares for the 50th year in succession.... it was 50 wasn't it?
I guess that Textron want lots of money out of the programme but the Italians are [lets go for the American term] playing Hard Ball.
It looks as if Bell are being starved of funds..... the still slightly portly 429 looked to be pretty much sidelined in the PR focus and everything was slung at the 407..... the BIG Bell launch was a Garmin glass cockpit..... any other company [except perhaps Brantly or Dinky] would have seen that as a Garmin upgrade and left it to Garmin.
They never even mentioned specifics on 429 or 412 Magellan at the press conference.
Oh but they mentioned something about some magazine voting them best deliverer of spares for the 50th year in succession.... it was 50 wasn't it?
Sky Talk: AgustaWestland and Bell say no new agreement on BA609 tiltrotor
Update: An AgustaWestland official now says that AW CEO Giuseppe Orsi DID NOT say that Bell had agreed to turn over BA609 technology to AgustaWestland, as was first reported on the link below. Bell has also denied such an agreement.
Here's the earlier report:
Report out of the Heli-Expo trade show says AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi says final negotiations are under way for the Italian firm to take over full control of BA609 civil tilt-rotor aircraft development.
These negotiations have been under way, sort of, for years but Orsi says that Bell has now agreed to turn control of the technology to AgustaWestland.
Bell spokesman Robert Hastings, following up on comments made by Bell CEO John Garrison, just issued the following statement to the Star-Telegram which suggests that either Orsi was misquoted, misinterpreted or Agusta and Bell are still not on the same wave length.
"Bell remains committed to certifying and delivering the worlds first commercial tiltrotor. We continue to work with Augusta to determine the best way to certify and bring the 609 to market," Hastings said.
Bell launched work on the civilian tilt-rotor aircraft, based on the same technology as the V-22 Osprey, back in the latter 1990s with Boeing as an initial partner. Agusta bought into the program later and has always been much more enthusiastic about its market potential than a series of Bell executives, who were always more focused on U.S. military aircraft programs and have only incrementally funded development work.
- Bob Cox
Here's the earlier report:
Report out of the Heli-Expo trade show says AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi says final negotiations are under way for the Italian firm to take over full control of BA609 civil tilt-rotor aircraft development.
These negotiations have been under way, sort of, for years but Orsi says that Bell has now agreed to turn control of the technology to AgustaWestland.
Bell spokesman Robert Hastings, following up on comments made by Bell CEO John Garrison, just issued the following statement to the Star-Telegram which suggests that either Orsi was misquoted, misinterpreted or Agusta and Bell are still not on the same wave length.
"Bell remains committed to certifying and delivering the worlds first commercial tiltrotor. We continue to work with Augusta to determine the best way to certify and bring the 609 to market," Hastings said.
Bell launched work on the civilian tilt-rotor aircraft, based on the same technology as the V-22 Osprey, back in the latter 1990s with Boeing as an initial partner. Agusta bought into the program later and has always been much more enthusiastic about its market potential than a series of Bell executives, who were always more focused on U.S. military aircraft programs and have only incrementally funded development work.
- Bob Cox
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1 Dunghill Mansions, Putney
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Behold the awesome influence of PPRuNe and tremble!
Or something to that effect. This thread got a mention in the latest copy of Helicopter Life.
Fame and riches at last.
Well, fame.
Almost.
I/C
Fame and riches at last.
Well, fame.
Almost.
I/C
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
press article
an italian friend has forwarded this article concerning Agusta to acquire 51% of the JV from Bell. Anouncement to be done during the Paris Air Show!.. We'll see..
Un po' elicottero, un po' aereo. AgustaWestland farà da sola il convertiplano - Il Sole 24 ORE
Un po' elicottero, un po' aereo. AgustaWestland farà da sola il convertiplano - Il Sole 24 ORE
This time for real, let's hope so 
PARIS: Interview: AgustaWestland chief executive Bruno Spagnolini
PARIS: Interview: AgustaWestland chief executive Bruno Spagnolini
What is the current state of the BA609 programme with Bell, how will the programme be managed in future and when is aircraft scheduled to enter in service?
I believe it would be in the best interests of the programme for AgustaWestland to assume ownership and management over the programme going forward and we are finalising our discussion with Bell on this matter. In the meantime the first two aircraft have accumulated over 580 flight hours in the USA and Italy.
Aircraft No 3 is under assembly in Cameri, Italy and will enter the flight test programme in 2012. Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency certifications and qualification for government agencies are expected in late 2015, with deliveries following in 2016. We strongly believe the tiltrotor concept is the answer to the need for overcoming the inherent limits of conventional rotorcraft in terms of speed, range and altitude and maximising the unique operational flexibility of vertical lift.
No other existing technology or concept can offer such an outstanding combination of fixed- and rotary-wing capabilities. No alternative rotorcraft design can reach the aircraft's performance, proving the most effective solution to replace mixed fleets of aircraft and helicopters in any category or size.
I believe it would be in the best interests of the programme for AgustaWestland to assume ownership and management over the programme going forward and we are finalising our discussion with Bell on this matter. In the meantime the first two aircraft have accumulated over 580 flight hours in the USA and Italy.
Aircraft No 3 is under assembly in Cameri, Italy and will enter the flight test programme in 2012. Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency certifications and qualification for government agencies are expected in late 2015, with deliveries following in 2016. We strongly believe the tiltrotor concept is the answer to the need for overcoming the inherent limits of conventional rotorcraft in terms of speed, range and altitude and maximising the unique operational flexibility of vertical lift.
No other existing technology or concept can offer such an outstanding combination of fixed- and rotary-wing capabilities. No alternative rotorcraft design can reach the aircraft's performance, proving the most effective solution to replace mixed fleets of aircraft and helicopters in any category or size.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UAE
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FINALLY!!!
From: Office of the Bell CEO
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 05:00 AM
Subject: Message from John | New Direction for the BA609
Team –
Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland have completed an agreement to sell Bell Helicopter’s interest in the BA609 commercial tiltrotor program to AgustaWestland. The announcement will be made at a press conference with AgustaWestland during the Paris Air Show today. As part of the agreement, Bell Helicopter will provide engineering services and will manufacture key components of the tiltrotor. This agreement does not include the transfer of V-22 tiltrotor technologies.
This decision will free up research and development resources allowing Bell Helicopter to increase our investment in the revolutionary V-22, to develop the next-generation tiltrotor technologies for U.S. Department of Defense programs and other applications, as well as increase our investment in our innovative commercial product line.
Bell Helicopter is committed to tiltrotor and we are excited about its future. The development of the next generation of tiltrotor is underway as we continue to build on the outstanding performance and capabilities proven by the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey. Bell Helicopter plans to continue to increase its research and development investments over the next five years for our commercial product line and for the next generation tiltrotor technologies.
In fact, Bell-Boeing has acquired a V-22 Osprey which will fly to our Xworx rapid concept engineering facility in the coming weeks. The “Advanced Tiltrotor Technology Demonstrator” will be used as a platform to test ideas recently developed by our team which could be put into practice quickly.
I would like to thank everyone who has worked on the current BA609 program and the transition team at Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland for their hard work and professionalism during our negotiations.
At Bell Helicopter we are on a mission to advance the tremendous capabilities in tiltrotor technology along with conventional technologies and products that will continue to demonstrate Bell Helicopter’s leadership in driving innovation to meet the needs of our customers as One Bell. On a Mission. There are many exciting things to come.
John L. Garrison
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 05:00 AM
Subject: Message from John | New Direction for the BA609
Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland
Chart new direction for the BA609
Team –
Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland have completed an agreement to sell Bell Helicopter’s interest in the BA609 commercial tiltrotor program to AgustaWestland. The announcement will be made at a press conference with AgustaWestland during the Paris Air Show today. As part of the agreement, Bell Helicopter will provide engineering services and will manufacture key components of the tiltrotor. This agreement does not include the transfer of V-22 tiltrotor technologies.
This decision will free up research and development resources allowing Bell Helicopter to increase our investment in the revolutionary V-22, to develop the next-generation tiltrotor technologies for U.S. Department of Defense programs and other applications, as well as increase our investment in our innovative commercial product line.
Bell Helicopter is committed to tiltrotor and we are excited about its future. The development of the next generation of tiltrotor is underway as we continue to build on the outstanding performance and capabilities proven by the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey. Bell Helicopter plans to continue to increase its research and development investments over the next five years for our commercial product line and for the next generation tiltrotor technologies.
In fact, Bell-Boeing has acquired a V-22 Osprey which will fly to our Xworx rapid concept engineering facility in the coming weeks. The “Advanced Tiltrotor Technology Demonstrator” will be used as a platform to test ideas recently developed by our team which could be put into practice quickly.
I would like to thank everyone who has worked on the current BA609 program and the transition team at Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland for their hard work and professionalism during our negotiations.
At Bell Helicopter we are on a mission to advance the tremendous capabilities in tiltrotor technology along with conventional technologies and products that will continue to demonstrate Bell Helicopter’s leadership in driving innovation to meet the needs of our customers as One Bell. On a Mission. There are many exciting things to come.
John L. Garrison
Last edited by 21stCen; 21st Jun 2011 at 16:50.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UAE
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AgustaWestland takes ownership of BA609 tiltrotor
AgustaWestland has announced that it has taken full ownership of the BA609 tiltrotor programme. Bell Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC) will be renamed will remain a US company being the new type certificate applicant to FAA. The new company will be totally owned by AgustaWestland and the BA609 tiltrotor will be rebranded as the AW609. The agreement is subject to obtaining the required regulatory approvals by the relevant authorities in Europe and the USA.
The AW609 programme will be managed by a single development team, to be based in Cascina Costa, Italy, from late 2011. The nearby Cameri site will be dedicated to the development programme for AW609 government applications. AgustaWestland will also open a new operational base in Arlington, Texas, to manage the US based tiltrotor operations. AgustaWestland is fully committed to rapidly proceed with the AW609 programme development capitalizing on the activities already performed so far.
"I believe it is in the best interests of the programme for AgustaWestland to assume ownership and management over the programme going forward," said Bruno Spagnolini, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland. "We consider the tiltrotor concept as the answer to the growing need for an aircraft matching the vertical capabilities of helicopter with the speed, range and altitude capabilities of fixed wing aircraft. AgustaWestland is investing in the next generation of rotorcraft technologies and the AW609 and future tiltrotor concepts are part of our innovation commitment."
"We expect significant worldwide market opportunities for the AW609, both for commercial and government applications," added Spagnolini. "In particular, the business and sales model case for the AW609 fits consistently with the AgustaWestland extensive, modern product range of dual use aircraft."
Bell Helicopter will remain involved in the design and certification of AW609 components for which it will be the supplier when the aircraft reaches the production phase.
publication date: Jun 21, 2011
|
author/source: Terry Spruce
|
author/source: Terry Spruce
AgustaWestland has announced that it has taken full ownership of the BA609 tiltrotor programme. Bell Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC) will be renamed will remain a US company being the new type certificate applicant to FAA. The new company will be totally owned by AgustaWestland and the BA609 tiltrotor will be rebranded as the AW609. The agreement is subject to obtaining the required regulatory approvals by the relevant authorities in Europe and the USA.The AW609 programme will be managed by a single development team, to be based in Cascina Costa, Italy, from late 2011. The nearby Cameri site will be dedicated to the development programme for AW609 government applications. AgustaWestland will also open a new operational base in Arlington, Texas, to manage the US based tiltrotor operations. AgustaWestland is fully committed to rapidly proceed with the AW609 programme development capitalizing on the activities already performed so far.
"I believe it is in the best interests of the programme for AgustaWestland to assume ownership and management over the programme going forward," said Bruno Spagnolini, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland. "We consider the tiltrotor concept as the answer to the growing need for an aircraft matching the vertical capabilities of helicopter with the speed, range and altitude capabilities of fixed wing aircraft. AgustaWestland is investing in the next generation of rotorcraft technologies and the AW609 and future tiltrotor concepts are part of our innovation commitment."
"We expect significant worldwide market opportunities for the AW609, both for commercial and government applications," added Spagnolini. "In particular, the business and sales model case for the AW609 fits consistently with the AgustaWestland extensive, modern product range of dual use aircraft."
Bell Helicopter will remain involved in the design and certification of AW609 components for which it will be the supplier when the aircraft reaches the production phase.
