Novel Technologies And New Entrants Shake Up Light Rotorcraft Market

Leonardo AW09 in flight

Leonardo had hoped to certify the AW09 this year, but a halt to flight testing has thrown that timing into doubt. EMS and aerial tourism operators in particular are eager for it to enter service.

Credit: Thomas Frevillier/Kopter Group/Leonardo
Big changes are afoot at the smaller end of the rotorcraft market. But after years of incremental modernization, novel platforms and technologies are reaching the market as manufacturers address increased demand for both new and replacement helicopters. Revolutions are few and far between in this...
Tony Osborne

Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines.

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