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
TAI performs cold-weather tests on Gokbey helicopter
Turkish Aerospace (TAI) has completed low-altitude cold-weather testing of its T625 Gokbey medium-twin helicopter, operating in temperatures down to -30°C (-22°F).
FAA pilots carry out familiarisation flight on newest AW609 tiltrotor
Leonardo Helicopters continues to progress the certification of its AW609 tiltrotor, with pilots from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) having now flown the first production-conforming aircraft.
Airbus Helicopters chief stays upbeat on H160 despite lacklustre 2024 sales
Airbus Helicopters chief executive Bruno Even has played down fears over the sales performance of its H160, following a year in which the airframer booked just four orders for the new medium-twin.
Japanese police receive two H160s
Japan’s National Police Agency has taken delivery of a pair of Airbus Helicopters H160 medium-twins, becoming the type’s first parapublic operator in Japan.
CHC Helikopter Service wins $500m Aker BP deal in Norway
CHC Helikopter Service is to deploy six helicopters – including three on-order Leonardo AW189s – to support a new offshore contract with Aker BP in Norway.
Leonardo faces £2bn damages claim for fatal Leicester City AW169 crash
Leonardo is facing a £2.15 billion ($2.63 billion) damages claim from the family of King Power Group founder and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who was killed alongside four others when his AW169 helicopter crashed in the UK shortly after take-off due to a tail rotor failure.
Proteus design confirms strong influence from AW09 helicopter
Leonardo Helicopters has finally revealed the design of the unmanned Proteus technology demonstrator it is developing through a £60 million ($75 million) contract for the UK Royal Navy, confirming the strong influence of the AW09 on the platform.
Rotor Technologies aims to shake up crop dusting with ground-controlled Robinsons
Rotor Technologies is working through regulatory approval of a remotely piloted helicopter based on Robinson Helicopter’s R44, with hopes of tapping into the aerial crop-dusting market.
Avincis outlines plans for new ‘training centre of excellence’
Portugal-headquartered emergency aerial services operator Avincis has begun exploring locations for a new training centre to support ambitious growth plans.
KAI opens new R&D location for rotary-wing work
Korea Aerospace Industries has completed the construction of a new Rotary Wing Flight Center, where it will conduct research and development work for rotary-wing aircraft.