Bell also stated that conventional helicopters were not part of Bell's future for military customers. ![]() However, in 2016, Bell preferred the 609 for commercial applications and kept the V-280 for military use only. ![]() As of 2015, Bell continues to perform contract work on the AW609 program while considering commercial potential for the bigger V-280 tiltrotor, where military production may reach larger numbers and hence reduce unit cost. ![]() The Italian government subsidized Agusta's development of a military tiltrotor, and as the AW609 has civilian aspects, the European Commission requires AgustaWestland to pay back progressive amounts per aircraft to the Italian state to avoid a distortion of competition. 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. In September 1998, it was announced that Agusta had become a partner in the development program. In 1996, Bell and Boeing had formed a partnership to develop a civil tiltrotor aircraft however, in March 1998, it was announced that Boeing had pulled out of the project. ![]() The BA609 drew on experience gained from Bell's earlier experimental tiltrotor, the XV-15. An AW609 performing a flight display while in helicopter mode at the Paris Air Show 2007
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