U.S. Helicopter Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Civil & Commercial and Military), By Weight (Light, Medium, and Heavy), By Application (Emergency Medical Service, Corporate Service, Search and Rescue Operation, Oil & Gas, Defense, Homeland Security, and Others), By Point of Sale (New and Pre-Owned), 2023-2030

The U.S. helicopter market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. The U.S. helicopter market is highly competitive, with major players, including Airbus S.A.S, Textron Inc., Boeing Co., and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. These companies are investing in research and development to create new, advanced products that meet the market's changing demands. Overall, the U.S. is expected to experience steady market growth in the forecast period, driven by increased demand for military and commercial helicopters, technological advancements, emergency medical service, and continued research & development investments.

LATEST TRENDS

Adoption of New Technologies and Innovations Offer New Growth Opportunities

The market in the U.S. is witnessing the adoption of new technologies, such as advanced avionics, digital connectivity, and electric propulsion, thereby driving the growth of the market. These technologies are expected to significantly enhance rotorcraft operations' safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability and benefit operators and customers.

• For instance, in 2022, Honeywell was chosen to provide the HTS7500 turboshaft engine to power the Lockheed Martin Sikorsky-Boeing DEFIANT X. The HTS7500 is the latest and most advanced addition to Honeywell's range of military engines, including the well-known T55 engine used to power the H-47 fleet for over six decades.

DRIVING FACTORS

Replacement and Modernization of Aging Fleets is Driving Market Growth

The replacement and modernization of the aging rotor-wing aircraft fleet in the U.S. is one of the major factors driving the growth of the market in the country. The introduction of next-generation rotorcraft is a key part of the U.S. Army's modernization efforts. They are designed to provide increased speed, range, agility, and operational capabilities and are expected to replace older, less efficient models.

• For instance, the U.S. Army has been investing heavily in the modernization of its rotorcraft fleet, with the FLRAA program being a key part of this effort. The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program is a major initiative to develop a new, more advanced helicopter to replace the aging UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Stringent Regulations and Safety Concerns are Hampering the Market Growth

Stringent regulations and safety concerns associated with helicopter operations are restraining the U.S. helicopter market growth. Rotorcrafts are considered more difficult to operate and maintain than fixed-wing aircraft, so the FAA has established stricter regulations for rotorcraft pilots and operators. Additionally, rotor-wing aircraft accidents are often more catastrophic than those involving fixed-wing aircraft, which has led to increased scrutiny and safety concerns. These factors may deter some potential buyers and aircraft manufacturers.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, Textron Inc. dominated the U.S. helicopter market share in 2022. The company has a strong presence in both military and commercial sectors, producing a range of helicopters, including the popular Bell series. Textron Inc. is known for its innovative products and focuses on customer satisfaction.

Other companies with a considerable presence in the U.S. market include Airbus S.A.S, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing Company, and others. These companies are focused on product approvals for increasing their production capabilities to meet the modern requirements and backlogs. For instance, in December 2022, the U.S. Navy approved full-rate production for the Sikorsky CH-53K. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift rotor-wing aircraft is designed to transport equipment, supplies, and personnel over long distances in land and sea environments. Sikorsky has a contract with the U.S. Navy to build 200 CH-53K rotorcrafts, with the first deliveries expected to begin in 2023.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Airbus S.A.S (Netherlands)
• Textron Inc. (U.S.)
• Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
• The Boeing Company (U.S.)
• The Robinson Helicopter Company (U.S.)
• The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (U.S.)
• Kaman Corporation (U.S.)
• Hiller Aircraft Corporation (U.S.)
• Kopter Group (Switzerland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2022 – The U.S. Department of Defense awarded a new order worth USD 63 million to Boeing Defense, Space, and Security to procure two additional Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks as part of the U.S. Army's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet size.
• June 2022 – Lockheed Martin Corp was awarded a five-year contract worth USD 2.3 billion to manufacture 120 H-60M Black Hawks as the U.S. military seeks a successor to its existing fleet. The five-year contract includes an option for 135 additional aircraft, valued at USD 4.4 billion, available to the Army, U.S. agencies, and allies.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as an overview of technological advancements, product innovations, and other growth factors. Additionally, it includes an overview of new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the report also offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In addition to the aforementioned factors, it encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

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