New Rotorcraft: More of the Same with Some Surprises in Store | Aviation International News

Verticon 2025

New Rotorcraft: More of the Same with Some Surprises in Store

Manufacturers are looking at all sorts of technologies while serving existing markets

Airbus Racer — Airbus’ Racer high-speed compound rotorcraft achieved a 227-knot top speed during flight testing last year.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

March 3, 2025

With the exception of the still-developing urban air mobility segment, rotorcraft development remains a slow and steady activity. Few new aircraft are under development and some, such as the Bell 525 and Leonardo AW609, seem stuck in endless certification delays. There are bright spots, however, and we expect to hear some interesting news from rotorcraft OEMs at this month’s Verticon show (formerly Heli-Expo). Meanwhile, here is what is going on at the rotorcraft OEMs.

Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is taking a break from development of the CityAirbus eVTOL aircraft. While it plans to continue flying the prototype electric aircraft this year, the company is also pausing the program due to a lack of progress in battery technology. Apart from that, Airbus Helicopters is committed to innovation and its roadmap focuses on short-term solutions for the in-service fleet of more than 12,000 helicopters; testing of new technology that will be ready for market demand and customers’ future needs; and longer-term “disruptive mobility solutions of the future.”

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Airbus Helicopters

Bell

Enstrom Helicopter

Leonardo

Robinson Helicopter Company

Schweizer

Sikorsky Aircraft

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Sikorsky S-92 in flight

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Program started with Utah and North Dakota

Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma helicopter

Nepal Relief Efforts Need More Support and Coordination

Local rotorcraft industry leader urges international partners to get involved in crisis

Nepal army helicopter

Boltoukhine Named Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters

Frederic Lemos departs after serving as CEO of ACH since 2017

Nicolas Boltoukhine

Avincis Orders Five McDermott 214ST Utility Helicopters

Medium twin-engine rotorcraft will supplement European firefighting operations

Artist's impression of Avincis' McDermott 214ST helicopters

Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Himalayan Flood Rescues

Nepal’s army and private operators have deployed rotorcraft across the flood zone

Heli Everest H125 helicopter

U.S. Approves $800M Bell 407/412 Sale to Iraq Military

Pentagon permission facilitates sale of Bell 412EXP and 407M

Bell 407M helicopter

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Airbus H160 in flight over sea