Graham Warwick/WASHINGTON DC
Deliveries of turbine-powered helicopters increased in 1997, buoyed by sales of new light single- and twin-engined aircraft. Bell shipped no fewer than 140 of its new single-turbine Model 407s in 1997, while Eurocopter delivered 28 of its new EC135 light twins.
Bell led deliveries in 1997, shipping 286 aircraft from its Mirabel, Canada, commercial-helicopter plant, compared with 217 in 1996. These figures include deliveries to civil and military customers, but exclude shipments of combat helicopters from Bell's Fort Worth, Texas, plant. Eurocopter, meanwhile, delivered 210 aircraft (see table, right).
Eurocopter says that it booked a record 303 orders for new aircraft in 1997. These consist of 102 AS350/550 and 68 EC120 light singles; nine AS355/555 and 58 EC135 light twins; 16 AS365/565s and seven BK117 medium twins; and 43 AS332/532 heavy twins. Bell does not reveal orders, but acknowledges that it has deposits in hand for "over 70" of its new Model 427 light twin's deliveries of which will begin in early 1999.
Bell says that it has shipped more than 225 Model 407s since deliveries began in February 1996, making it the fastest-selling helicopter in recent history. Eurocopter delivered the first of its new EC120 light singles in December, and says that it has orders in hand for "over 100".
The Franco-German company says that sales of the EC135 have also passed 100, while 20 orders have been booked for the new EC155 medium twin. The EC155, the renamed, upgraded, AS365N4 Dauphin, will be launched officially at the Helicopter Association International show in Anaheim, California, on 15-17 February.
Boeing delivered 30 commercial helicopters in 1997, just one more than the number shipped by the former McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems division in 1996. All but two were light singles, although Boeing declines to reveal the breakdown between MD500-series helicopters and MD600Ns. Boeing began MD600N deliveries in June 1997 and hoped to deliver 23 by year-end.
Only two MD Explorers were delivered in 1997. Production of the original MD900 was stopped early in 1997 while Boeing developed the improved, cheaper, MD902. Certification of the MD902 is imminent, and the first two aircraft are "on the ramp", ready for immediate delivery, Boeing says.
Rumours continue to circulate in the USA that Boeing is to merge its civil-helicopter activities with those of Bell. Neither company will comment on the reports.
Among the smaller manufacturers, Kaman Aerospace delivered seven K-Max single-seat helicopters, Enstrom saw a similar number of 480/TH-28s leave the factory and Schweizer delivered five 330s. Italian manufacturer Agusta is unable to supply figures.
Source: Flight International
