Bell/Agusta Aerospace has reported 77 firm orders for the BA609 tiltrotor, from 42 different customers in 18 countries. The BA 609 is a six to nine passenger transport, which will have a range of 750 nm and a cruise speed of up to 275 knots. It is said to offer increased flexibility and low operating costs. Four prototypes will be built of the new tiltrotor craft. The first flight is expected to be in late 2000, with first deliveries scheduled for 2002. The BA609, along with the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor and its variants, will be built at Bell's new assembly centre in Amarillo, Texas, and at the Agusta plant in Italy.