CIVIL HELICOPTER deliveries, which began rising in 2003 and registered further gains in 2004, will remain relatively flat during the next ten years, according to Forecast International's World Commercial Rotorcraft Market. Current shipments are receiving a major boost from the piston-powered Robinson Helicopter models, the two-seat R22 and the four-place R44. However, that annual output, which totalled fewer than 1,250 shipments in 2004, will fall off gradually through 2011 before rising to about 1,000 deliveries in 2013. Eurocopter is forecasted to maintain strong dominance of the turbine-powered helicopter segment, while Bell Helicopter”s long-awaited strategic plans are finally coming into focus. The company is developing a Modular Affordable Product Line (MAPL) of light singles and twins spanning the five- to eight-seat-capacity range. Meanwhile, Taiwan”s Aero Industry Development Corp (AIDC) has proposed a link-up with Enstrom Helicopter, a development that could ultimately see the government of Taiwan taking a stake in the US company.
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