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
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Norwegian investigators flag suspected maintenance issue for in-flight engine shutdown on Bristow S-92
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Korean National Police orders single H225
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Czech Police to acquire Sikorsky Firehawks and Black Hawks through Helicopter Alliance companies
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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.
Bristow to receive four H160s this month under Milestone lease deal for Nigerian offshore operations
Bristow Group is to take five Airbus Helicopters H160 medium-twins on lease from Milestone Aviation to support oil and gas operations in Nigeria.
Russia’s Su-57 fighter to take part in flying display at Dubai air show
Russia’s fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter will make its debut Dubai air show appearance next week, Moscow’s state-owned Rostec conglomerate has announced.
UK competition regulator warming to SMFLH-Macquarie Rotorcraft helicopter lessor tie-up
UK competition regulators have seemingly cleared the acquisition of helicopter lessor Macquarie Rotorcraft by rival SMFL LCI Helicopters, lifting a restriction that prevented any integration between the two businesses.
US Navy contractor phasing in Robinson TH-66 for rotary-wing training
US Navy and Coast Guard pilot trainees will receive basic rotary-wing instruction using Robinson’s TH-66 light helicopter under a new partnership with contractor Helicopter Institute.
Hill Helicopters HX50 first flight slips as GT50 engine development drags on schedule
UK rotorcraft start-up Hill Helicopters has further delayed the first flight of its developmental HX50 light-single, pushing back the milestone until late 2026.