THE THREAT OF "dumped" surplus US military helicopters has dampened industry optimism generated by signs of recovery at the Heli-Expo '95 show. Most manufacturers report that increased new-helicopter orders and used-aircraft sales were up significantly in 1994.
The US Army's plans to dispose of 3,000 light helicopters, however, "...could be devastating", said Helicopter Association International chairman Bill Wells at the Las Vegas show, which took place between 28 and 31 January (Flight International, 8-14 February).
Allison Engines has slashed its annual ten-year forecast of turbine-helicopter sales by around 2,000 machines, or 28%, largely because of the US Army's disposal plans. It projects total sales of 6,248 turbine helicopters from 1995 to 2004.
Allison foresees a gradual shrinkage of the North American share of new-helicopter sales as the market nears saturation. It believes that 53.4% of the total will be sold outside North America.
It says that civil production will fall to 260 helicopters in 1995, compared with 337 in 1994, partly driven by operators waiting for new models to come on stream. Deliveries of twins are expected to overtake those of singles in 1996, mainly because of regulations on use of singles.
Source: Flight International