A strengthening worldwide market for civil and military helicopters is responsible for keeping senior executives at engine-maker Rolls-Royce jubilant–but not satisfied.
Looking to the near-term future, Rolls-Royce views unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and emerging civil markets in China and India as the next big growth areas, according to Scott Crislip, president of helicopters and small gas turbine engines for the UK manufacturer.
But even without these untapped potential markets, the helicopter division of Rolls-Royce exudes optimism for the future. The company enjoyed strong growth last year, and the good times are expected to continue this year and beyond. “We were right on target [last year]” in terms of sales, Crislip said. “It was neat to see.” As was the case last year, the company’s 10-year worldwide helicopter market outlook is being revised upward again this year, making for even better projected delivery and financial numbers than previously expected. Initial estimates said the company expects to fill 10,915 engine orders in the next 10 years, 5,191 of them for the civil market.
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