Business aviation's most unique aircraft, both Italian, are progressing despite setbacks worthy of operatic treatment. After years of togetherness, the Bell/Agusta 609 was in 2011 spurned by its U.S. partner, whose commitment seemed to range from indifferent to obstreperous, casting further doubt on the long-delayed civil tiltrotor's future. In case you've lost track, the BA609 project began in the late 1990s with deliveries to begin in 2002. Needless to say, that deadline was missed, as has almost every one since.
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