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
Offshore operator NHV Group snapped up by lessor GD Helicopter Finance
Chinese-owned lessor GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) is broadening its portfolio with the acquisition of Belgian offshore operator NHV Group from its private equity owner Ardian.
Leonardo performs first flight of Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor technology demonstrator
Leonardo Helicopters has finally flown the Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor (NGCTR) a technology demonstrator developed as part of an EU Clean Sky 2-funded project.
eVTOL developer Archer sets up UK subsidiary to target defence market
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer Archer Aviation is setting up a UK subsidiary and engineering hub in southwest England to target the country’s defence market.
France’s Gendarmerie Nationale readies for H160 operations after first delivery milestone
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first of 10 H160 medium-twins for operation by France’s Gendarmerie Nationale (GN).
Germany firms 20 H145M LKH options, taking total commitment to 82 helicopters
Germany has exercised options for 20 Airbus Helicopters H145Ms, adding to the 62 examples of the light-twin it ordered in December 2023.
Avincis eyes doubling of windfarm support business as industry expansion spurs growth plan
Aerial solutions provider Avincis hopes to double the size of its wind farm support operation by the start of next decade on the back of its entry into the segment with the September acquisition of Danish operator KN Helicopters.
Norwegian investigators flag suspected maintenance issue for in-flight engine shutdown on Bristow S-92
Norwegian investigators believe an unspecified maintenance issue was the likely cause of an in-flight engine failure on a Sikorsky S-92 heavy-twin shortly after take-off from an oil platform.
Korean National Police orders single H225
The Korean National Police Agency has ordered a single Airbus Helicopters H225, becoming a new customer for the airframer.
Czech Police to acquire Sikorsky Firehawks and Black Hawks through Helicopter Alliance companies
Companies under the Helicopter Alliance umbrella have secured a deal with the Czech interior ministry to supply six Sikorsky rotorcraft – three new S-70M Firehawks and trio of refurbished UH-60Ls – for operation by the country’s police.
Robinson Helicopter progresses R88 as first test articles come together
Robinson Helicopter is building towards a maiden sortie of its new R88 flagship towards the end of next year, with parts for the first flight-test prototype already in production.