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
GD Helicopter Finance adds to portfolio through deal for up to 20 H175s
Start-up rotorcraft lessor GD Helicopter Finance has gained access to additional inventory following a deal for up to 20 Airbus Helicopters H175s from another of its owner’s businesses.
First flight sees Racer high-speed helicopter finally leave the starting blocks
Airbus Helicopters has performed the long-awaited maiden flight of its Racer high-speed demonstrator.
Robinson signals strategic shift with acquisition of UAV maker Ascent
Robinson Helicopter’s new chief executive David Smith has marked his first two months in charge of the rotorcraft manufacturer with the acquisition of a US-based drone maker, underscoring the firm’s commitment to expand into new markets.
H160 is first platform for new rotorcraft lessor GD Helicopter Finance
A new rotorcraft lessor has launched, targeting the offshore, SAR, EMS and government markets, and already boasts an orderbook of 50 Airbus Helicopters H160s, with the promise of more deals to come.
Airbus Helicopters cuts H160 empty weight as data overturns ‘conservative’ projections
Airbus Helicopters has reduced the published empty weight of its new H160 medium-twin by 100kg (220lb), driven by analysis of the airframes built so far and better than anticipated fuel consumption.
UK commits to six H145 helicopters for Brunei and Cyprus missions
Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a £122 million ($152 million) contract to supply six H145 light-twin helicopters to the UK for troop transport duties in Brunei and Cyprus.
Japan Coast Guard orders three more H225s
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has ordered three additional Airbus Helicopters H225s, which will take its eventual fleet to 18 examples of the heavy-twin.
Skyryse presses ahead with fly-by-wire system on R66 helicopter
Advanced flight-control developer Skyryse is forging ahead with plans to bring to market by 2025 a Robinson Helicopter R66 light-single adapted with an innovative fly-by-wire system.
Transport Canada mandates Bell 429 tail rotor inspections
Canadian regulators have ordered operators of certain Bell 429 helicopters to perform urgent tail rotor blade inspections after defects were found in the manufacturing process.
Metro Aviation takes final US-built EC145e
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the final EC145e to US emergency medical services specialist Metro Aviation – marking the end of production for the basic variant of the manufacturer’s light-twin.