Bell Helicopter has had a close association with AgustaWestland. The partnership dates back to separate manufacturing and technology agreements with
Agusta (
Bell 47 and
Bell 206) and as a sublicense via Agusta with
Westland (
Bell 47). When the two European firms merged, the partnerships were retained, with the exception of the AB139, which is now known as the
AW139. In June 2011, AgustaWestland took full ownership of the BA609 tiltrotor program. Bell Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC) was renamed as the AgustaWestland Tilt-Rotor Company (AWTRC), and will remain a US company being the new type certificate applicant to FAA. The new company is wholly owned by AgustaWestland and the BA609 tiltrotor has been rebranded as the AW609. ==Products==