Although I believe the tiltrotor offers performance far superior to any conventional helicopter in terms of speed and range, I’ve never thought that SAR—particularly water rescue—was not the optimum mission for them. Sure, search range and response times will be improved, but hoist or winch operations from the hovering tiltrotor will be challenging because of the more intense rotor downwash. BTDT, and I wouldn’t envy an injured survivor. Better than swimming with sharks though.
TC
I recently followed one of those or something just like it, south on I 81. it was quite low. the runway parallels the interstate
to my amazement it flew to the end of the runway just south of the country airport near wytheville virginia and sort of hovered allowing me to catch up, dipped to the ground and then rose and flew down the runway.
It was apparently making touch and goe’s at this remote and little used air port
Also available for private use.
Everything You Need To Know About The First Civilian Tilt Rotor Aircraft
http://flightclub.jalopnik.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-first-civilian-ti-1689618757?trending_test_c&utm_expid=66866090-62.H_y_0o51QhmMY_tue7bevQ.3&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Now, AgustaWestland is on pace to begin production of the AW609, the first civilian tilt-rotor, at its plant in Philadelphia while moving most of the flight test activity from Italy to the U.S.
The unique characteristics of the AW609 TiltRotor combine the benefits of a helicopter and a fixed-wing airplane into one aircraft. The AW609 will be able to take off and land vertically as well as fly above adverse weather conditions with up to nine people in a pressurized cabin at twice the speed and range typical of helicopters. It represents the next generation of aircraft transport for civil, government, and para-public roles.