Study Predicts Helicopter Growth

Forecast International, a research firm, has estimated that helicopter manufacturers will deliver about 14,200 rotorcraft to the light commercial helicopter market between 2007-2016. The study included 6,891 piston engine helicopters and 7,311 powered by turboshaft engines. Robinson Helicopter Co. is projected to deliver 6,086 aircraft, which accounts for 42.8 percent of the total unit production for the light commercial market overall. Eurocopter is projected to deliver 3,141 helicopters over the 10 yr period, a 22.1 percent share of the overall market. According to the study, Eurocopter is followed by Bell Helicopter Co., Sikorsky Aircraft and AgustaWestland.  Together these five companies are projected to account for 90 percent of the expected unit production and 82 percent of the value of production for the light commercial helicopter market overall. For related news