Press Release

Contact: Raymond Jaworowski, Senior Aerospace Analyst

Phone: (203) 426-0800

Fax: (203) 426-4262

Web site: www.forecastinternational.com

E-mail: ray.jaworowski@forecast1.com

Forecast International, Inc.

22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT  06470 USA

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Dynamic Market Projected for Military Rotorcraft,

in Sharp Contrast to Flat Civil Market

 

NEWTOWN, Conn. [February 6, 2006] — In a new study titled “The World Market for Military Rotorcraft,” Forecast International is projecting that 6,253 military rotorcraft, with an estimated value of $96 billion, will be produced during the next 10 years.

 

In stark contrast to the relatively stagnant civil rotorcraft market, the military side of the segment is expected to be quite dynamic during the forecast timeframe.  Forecast International projections indicate that annual production of military rotorcraft will steadily increase through the year 2013, and then drop off beginning in 2014.  The monetary value of yearly production is expected to show a similar trend, increasing as well through 2013.

 

The forecast production totals include both new-build rotorcraft and significant or extensive modifications of existing rotorcraft.  The latter, constituting an important part of the overall market, number some 1,370 units (worth about $18 billion) within the overall production forecast.

 

Market share projections for the period indicate that Sikorsky will lead the market in both unit production and production value, despite the company’s highly publicized loss in the VXX presidential transport competition.  According to Forecast International senior aerospace analyst Raymond Jaworowski, “The loss in the VXX competition hurts Sikorsky’s prestige more than its overall bottom line.”

 

US101, a version of the AgustaWestland EH101, won the VXX contract.  AgustaWestland is teamed with Lockheed Martin and Bell on the US101 effort.  Lockheed Martin is acting as prime contractor on the US101 VXX program, and provides systems integration work for the effort.  Even though it does not build helicopter airframes, Lockheed Martin is leveraging its system integration expertise, and making skillful use of teaming arrangements, to become an important player in the rotorcraft market.

 

Forecast International, Inc., is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analysis in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics.  Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and market assessments used by strategic planners, marketing professionals, military organizations, and governments worldwide.  To arrange an interview with Forecast International’s analysts, please contact Monty Nebinger (203-426-0800, monty.nebinger@forecast1.com).