North American and European OEMs are proceeding with the development of new models for the booming civil helicopter market across a broad product spectrum, from light singles to medium twins. Almost all OEMs are reporting record or near-record deliveries, robust orders and significant backlogs. For example, a Bell 429 ordered today would not be delivered until 2014. The weakened U.S. dollar is also driving orders, with some OEMs, including Robinson, now reporting that most of their sales are outside the U.S. Certification is expected this year or early next year for several new models as well as significant upgrades of existing models.
AgustaWestland
AW119 Ke
The AW119 Ke received FAA certification in October (the helicopter received EASA certification a few months earlier, in June last year), and the first delivery is expected early this year. The Ke (which stands for Koala enhanced, an upgrade program announced at Heli-Expo last year) features an mtow of 6,283 pounds, 286 pounds heavier than the A119’s.
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