"At Helitech 97 there were 160 different helicopters in the static display, the flying demonstrations or visiting the show and we look forward to at least matching that figure this year," said project manager Tony Stephenson, the man in charge of this year's event at Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, UK. It is claimed that 42 companies new to the show will be exhibiting at the event, taking place September 28 - October 1.\r"Early indications of craft at the show include the Bell Agusta Aerospace Corporation's 609 tiltrotor and AB139 - both in mock-up form; the new Bell 427, which will be flying at the show; the Agusta Power 109E, Sikorsky S76, S76C+; the Robinson R44 and R22 and many more to be confirmed," explained Stephenson.\rThe BA609 will be on display in a six-passenger corporate configuration. Additionally, a mock-up of the AB139 new medium helicopter will be displayed and briefings given. Further exhibitors of note include Bristow Helicopter Group, who will be launching their mechanically jetissonable liferafts for the Bell 412, 212 and 430 and the AS332 Super Puma aircraft. \rSikorsky will also show a cabin mock-up with seating for 19 passengers of the S92, while Sloane Helicopters will show both Police and EMS versions of the Agusta 109 Power in the static display. Vibro-meter will launch and demonstrate ROTABS 3 - their rotor trim and balance system which can be interfaced with HUMS and used on all aircraft.\rThe organisers believe that the biennial show benefits from being held close to London's Gatwick Airport and can lay claim to being the only civil and military helicopter exhibition in the world that features flying alongside the exhibition. 50.3 per cent of the exhibitors present at the last show are involved in the civil market as opposed to defence.