Vertiflite May/June 2021

controls, the 525 will be the largest helicopter in Bell’s civil line-up once it enters service. Bell’s most popular civil model is currently the 407 light single, the latest version of which is the 407GXi, which features a Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 engine and a Garmin G1000H NXi flight deck. Robinson Helicopter Company continues to be the dominant manufacturer in the piston helicopter market with its R22 and R44 models. Robinson is also a major player in the light single-turbine market. The company has delivered more than 1,000 R66 light single-turbine helicopters since that model entered service in 2010. Russian Helicopters is looking to win a share of the light single- turbine market with the new VRT500, which is being developed by the company’s VR-Technologies subsidiary. Equipped with a coaxial main rotor and a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207V, the multipurpose VRT500 will expand the reach of Russian Helicopters’ product line into the light single-turbine market segment. Plans call for serial production of the VRT500 to begin in 2023. Among Russian Helicopters’ other civil models are the Ka-32, Mi-171A2 and Mi-38 medium/heavy multi-role helicopters; the Ka-62 mediummulti-role model (still in certification); and the Ka-226T and Ansat light twins. AVIC and Russian Helicopters are collaborating on development of the Advanced Heavy Lift (AHL) helicopter. As currently envisioned, the AHL would have a maximum takeoff weight of 40 t and an external payload of 15 t. Plans call forAHL deliveries to begin by 2032. While Sikorsky is one of the dominant manufacturers in the military rotorcraft market, the company has a smaller presence in the civil market. Its two civil products are the S-92 medium/ heavy twin and the S-76D intermediate twin. A new S-92 version, dubbed the S-92B, is scheduled to enter service in 2025. The new model will feature a maximum gross weight of 27,700 lb (12.6 t), increased payload, a new main gearbox and an option to install GE CT7-8A6 engines. A kit upgrade to a similar S-92A+ standard will be available for existing S-92As starting in 2023.

For more than 45 years, Forecast International’s research reports have been the aerospace and defense industry standard for accurate research, analysis, and projections. FI’s experienced analysts compile, evaluate and present accurate data for decision-makers in both government and industry. FI market research reports consist of concise analysis of individual programs and their relationship to their respective market sectors. Each report includes a program overview, detailed statistics, and a competitive analysis, culminating in a 10–15 year production forecast — a key tool in reducing uncertainties and mastering specific markets and their growth potential. helicopters and 9,024 turbine-powered rotorcraft. The value of this production is estimated at $68.4B in 2021 US dollars. Conclusion Forecast International projects that some 16,780 rotorcraft, valued at $202.8B in 2021 US dollars, will be produced from 2021 through 2030. In terms of unit production, Airbus Helicopters is projected to be the leading manufacturer during this timeframe, followed by Robinson, Bell, Russian Helicopters, Leonardo, Boeing and Sikorsky. In terms of the monetary value of production, Sikorsky is forecast to lead the market, followed by Russian Helicopters, Boeing, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Bell, and NHIndustries. The year 2020 was a troubled one for the world in general, as well as for the rotorcraft industry. With the vaccine rollout underway in 2021, a sense of cautious optimism has taken hold across the globe that light can now be seen at the end of the pandemic tunnel. This optimism justifiably extends to the world’s rotorcraft manufacturers and their suppliers.

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Our projections indicate that 11,510 civil rotorcraft will be produced from 2021 through 2030. This total includes 2,486 piston-powered

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