Turbomeca is feeling the effects of the helicopter industry’s downturn but is pressing on with the development of several new engine versions. Some programs, however, have been delayed or even shelved. For the longer term, the Bordes, France-based company is working on a 2,000- to 3,000-shp demonstrator and is conducting research on innovative ways to cut fuel burn.
Last year Turbomeca (Booth 10543) delivered 718 helicopter engines, a 15-percent reduction from the previous year’s 850 engines (these numbers include civil and military turboshafts). “The entire rotorcraft industry is impacted by a downturn; offshore oil-and-gas sales account for 20 percent of the market but are a major factor in its health,” CEO Bruno Even told AIN. Latin America is generating fewer orders than it used to (for all applications, not only oil-and-gas). In the U.S., Even sees overcapacity in the helicopter EMS segment, which is causing stagnation.