Hangar X Studios

How Leonardo’s AW609 Will Change Your View of Aviation?

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In this compelling episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead is joined by Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Engineering and Innovation at Leonardo Helicopter Division, to discuss the groundbreaking AW609 tiltrotor aircraft. Recorded live at Verticon, they dive into Leonardo’s ambitious projects, innovative approaches to engineering, and the future of vertical and powered lift aviation. Matteo provides fascinating insights into the AW609’s development challenges, FAA certification milestones, and the significant role autonomy and hybrid propulsion will play in future aerospace innovation.

Episode Highlights:
  • Insights into the pioneering AW609 tiltrotor aircraft.
  • Leonardo’s unique approach to integrating innovation within engineering.
  • Challenges and milestones in FAA certification and aircraft development.
  • How autonomy and hybrid propulsion are redefining aviation.
  • Real-world use cases and markets for tiltrotor technology.
    • Key Points with Timestamps:
    • [00:01:15] Introduction of Matteo Ragazzi and Verticon event context.
    • [00:02:04] Matteo’s extensive 30-year career journey with Leonardo Helicopters.
    • [00:03:21] Defining innovation within Leonardo’s organizational structure.
    • [00:06:51] Shift towards autonomy in Leonardo’s innovation roadmap.
    • [00:08:22] Development challenges and lessons learned from the AW609 project.
    • [00:09:40] Current FAA and EASA certification status of the AW609.
    • [00:12:15] How Leonardo’s helicopter expertise influenced AW609’s flight control systems.
    • [00:14:04] Operational versatility and unique flight characteristics of AW609.
    • [00:17:38] Market reception and practical applications for the AW609.
    • [00:21:01] Upcoming milestones for Leonardo’s tiltrotor and autonomous aircraft.
      • Guest Bio:

      Matteo Ragazzi is Head of Engineering and Innovation at Leonardo Helicopter Division. With three decades of extensive experience at Leonardo, Matteo has served as Chief Project Engineer for several successful helicopters, including the AW119 Koala, AW139, and AW189. His current role strategically merges engineering with innovation, fostering groundbreaking aerospace solutions including the pioneering AW609 tiltrotor and advancements in autonomous and hybrid-electric technologies.

      About Leonardo Helicopter

      Leonardo's helicopters are deployed in more than 150 countries worldwide for every type of mission. From the 1.8-ton single-engine category to 16-ton three-engine aircraft, the company’s vertical flight solutions are the most advanced and include comprehensive technical assistance and training services to enable operators to carry out their missions efficiently and safely. As well as the full spectrum of capabilities to develop fundamental vertical flight technologies, Leonardo's range of solutions also includes remotely piloted aircraft and tiltrotors, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in air mobility and for every mission requirement.

      Notable Quotes:
      • "The AW609 represents the price you pay for being first. It's true innovation in action." — Matteo Ragazzi
      • "Innovation requires constant challenge—sometimes you evolve processes, sometimes you disrupt them completely." — Matteo Ragazzi
      • "People are now stepping into places they didn't even think they'd step into even a few years ago." — John Ramstead
      • "We sensed the energy in vertical lift, and now it's up to us to capture and transform that energy into real things." — Matteo Ragazzi

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        Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead