Despite slower sales on the civil front for most helicopter manufacturers, continued strong military needs will keep new aircraft prodution expanding at least through 2015, according to a new 10-year forecast issued by Rolls-Royce.
From 2010 through 2019, Rolls helicopter engines president, Ken Roberts, predicts that demand will "shift to the right" somewhat but that the "fundamentals" remain strong. That translates into a forecast of 10,300 civil rotorcraft worth $38 billion delivered, and 6,100 military helicopters valued at $38 billion. The demand is partially being driven by the need to replace helicopters in the global fleet, a large percentage of which are more than 30 years old, says Roberts.
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The 26,000 turbine engines needed to power the 16,400 helicopters will account for $12 billion of the total, says Roberts, adding, "The underlying factor is a solid long-term demand for vertical lift."
Growth areas for Rolls-Royce, which has an installed base of 18,000 helicopters, include the unmanned sector where projects like the MQ-8B Fire Scout are gaining prominence. Rolls-Royce powers the Fire Scout with the M250 turboshaft engine.
Below is Roberts' presentation at Heli-Expo.
