FlightGlobal takes a look at the latest product developments across the various segments of the helicopter market.
- Arguably the most competitive part of the helicopter market, the light-single segment is, however, not necessarily blessed with the most modern designs. Nonetheless, new models are in development which will bring innovation to the sector.
- While not selling in the same quantities as their lighter siblings, light-twin helicopters play a significant role in society, notably in law enforcement and emergency medical services missions.
- Heading up the weight range means these medium-class helicopters are more capable but more complex – and come with a bigger price ticket. Despite this, there are big sellers in this category, alongside new entrants.
- A few years ago there were many forecasts that the new super-medium-class helicopters would sell by the bucket-load. This has not quite come to pass, although those operating the rotorcraft in this weight class have used their performance benefits to push into new markets.
- Heavy-twins sit at the top of each manufacturer’s range and while a downturn in oil and gas services has hurt sales in some cases, interest from the search and rescue operators has remained strong.
New models set to bring fresh competition to light-single helicopter segment
Arguably the most competitive part of the helicopter market, the light-single segment is, however, not necessarily blessed with the most modern designs. Nonetheless, new models are in development which will bring innovation to the sector.
Helicopters: the crack troops of the war on wildfires
Rotorcraft are able to tackle forest blazes in a way fixed-wing aircraft can not. We look at what the various assets on the market can offer
The global helicopter market in numbers
A breakdown of the global in-service fleets across the civil and military helicopter markets, together with historic fleet and delivery trends.
Slow-selling super-medium-class helicopters make modest headway
A few years ago there were many forecasts that the new super-medium-class helicopters would sell by the bucket-load. This has not quite come to pass, although those operating the rotorcraft in this weight class have used their performance benefits to push into new markets.
New arrivals in medium helicopter sector threaten the old order
Heading up the weight range means these medium-class helicopters are more capable but more complex – and come with a bigger price ticket. Despite this, there are big sellers in this category, alongside new entrants.
Airbus dominates light-twin helicopter market with German-built duo
While not selling in the same quantities as their lighter siblings, light-twin helicopters play a significant role in society, notably in law enforcment and emergency medical services missions.
Heavy-twin helicopters are dragged down by offshore slump
Heavy-twins sit at the top of each manufacturer’s range and while a downturn in oil and gas services has hurt sales in some cases, interest from the search and rescue operators has remained strong.
More helicopter news
Six reportedly killed as Bell 206 plunges into Hudson River
Early reports suggest that six people aboard a tourist helicopter that plunged on 10 April into the Hudson River were killed.
Creation of ‘conflict point’ led to fatal Australian EC130 collision
A ‘conflict point’ stemming from operational changes led to the fatal collision of two Airbus Helicopters EC130B4s on 2 January 2024 at Gold Coast, Australia.
Partners hail success of hydrogen helicopter first flight
Unither Bioelectronique (UB) is claiming several aviation firsts following the first flight of a piloted hydrogen fuel cell-powered helicopter.
SAF Aerogroup plans growth path under new ownership
One of France’s leading helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operators is hoping for a growth boost from a planned acquisition by a pair of private equity firms.
Researchers use video simulations to show ‘visceral experience’ of exposure to rotorcraft downwash
UK researchers believe they have discovered a “powerful new approach” to demonstrate safety risks posed by hovering helicopters or other vertical take-off vehicles by using video simulations to “capture the true physical form” of the gusting and swirling winds generated.
Columbia Helicopters renews Chinook firefighting deal with Turkey
Columbia Helicopters will deploy four civil Chinook heavy-lift rotorcraft to Turkey in the coming months following the renewal of an aerial firefighting contract.
Racer resumes flight testing with new low-drag parts in place
Airbus Helicopters’ Racer demonstrator is back in flight testing after a six-month lay-up to install new parts to boost the high-speed rotorcraft’s aerodynamic performance.
Charter tour Mi-8 fatally collided with mountain ridge as crew descended in poor visibility
Russian investigators have found that a Mil Mi-8T helicopter captain’s decision to descend in limited visibility, while operating in mountainous terrain, led to a fatal collision with a ridge, with no survivors from among the 22 occupants.
Surion military, parapublic operators to cooperate more closely
South Korean operators of the Korea Aerospace Industries KUH-1 Surion helicopter will work more closely on sustainment and development of the rotorcraft, with an eye to developing the platform and coordinating acquisitions.
Rivals line up to unseat S-92 from offshore throne
For nearly a decade now, from Aberdeen to Stavanger to Houma, wherever the oil and gas industry has needed to move a lot of people a long way offshore, the S-92 has been the helicopter of choice. But with an ageing fleet and competitors snapping at its heels, will the Sikorsky heavy-twin’s dominance endure?
