| Popis: |
The chapter provides an evaluation of the global civil helicopter market, with a special focus on the status of helicopters produced in the Russian Federation. The purpose of this research is to classify the main development trends of the civil helicopter industry and the main methods used to enhance competitiveness of Russian helicopters. The data presented herein are derived from the major manufacturers (Airbus Helicopters, Robinson Helicopter Company, Russian Helicopters, etc.). Until 2016, civil aviation accounted for less than 10% of the total number of helicopters produced in the Russian Federation, and with the domestic defense market already saturated, declining demand in this sector is imminent; civil helicopters are to ride the development trend. Russia, compared to the major international manufacturers, is far from being a leader on this market, considering severe competition and the country lacking cutting-edge technologies for building in-demand light and medium helicopters. Along with designing new and advanced machines of the classes mentioned above, positions need to be maintained and augmented related to heavy helicopters; this is a niche Russia already occupies. One of the alternative development paths that the industry could follow is upgrading its existing and proven helicopters, of which Mil helicopters are the most well known. |
