Medium/heavy military rotorcraft competition intensifies

Connecticut-based market research firm Forecast International recently issued study projects that request for military rotorcrafts growth will continue in 2013, forecasting production to reach 615 rotorcraft. Roughly 4,796 medium/heavy military rotorcraft, having an estimated production value of $114.4 billion, will be produced between 2013 and 2022.

See also “the Future of Rotary A/C”

The annual production of medium/heavy military rotorcraft, defined as having a gross weight of 6,804 kilograms (15,000 pounds) or greater, has grown steadily since 2005. However by 2022 the number will be reduced to ca 350 per year. The decline is attributed to several factors: The budgetary environment in the U.S. and many other nations has become severe, and high levels of government debt are forcing officials to look for areas, such as military budgets, in which to reduce spending. As the market shrinks, the competition among manufacturers for market share will become more fierce.