A market forecast entitled ‘The world rotorcraft market through 2010’ has projected the production of 9,261 commercial helicopters worth just under $18 billion, plus 4,970 military machines valued at $66 billion through 2010.

The research concluded that the civil market segment will be led by Eurocopter, with a 25 per cent share of projected revenues. Bell will apparently rank a close second with nearly 20 per cent (not including its share of the joint Bell Agusta programmes).

In terms of value of production, Sikorsky will place third, trailed by Agusta Westland and MD Helicopters.

Findings show that the rotary-wing industry has stabilised during the past 18 months and that the commercial segment will remain relatively flat over the next ten years.

A spokesman said: “Civil helicopter deliveries rose last year, reversing a three-year trend. Most of the improvement was due to a sharp increase in shipments of piston-powered helicopters, most notably those from the Robinson stable. In terms of total output, Bell and Eurocopter are pacing the turbine-

powered segment.”

According to the report – carried out by Forecast International – industry consolidation is now less a topic for speculation than the teaming approach.

Analyst Bill Dane, said: “At the very least, we can expect to see more joint ventures and inter-national collaborations, if not outright mergers.”