Diversified Aerial Solutions by Airbus
As the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, Airbus has grown to the level where it provides the most efficient civil and military helicopter solutions to the customers in diversified environmental conditions. No wonder, helicopter flying is a dynamic field of its nature. The company aims to serve, protect, save lives and safely carry passengers in highly demanding environments. The mission configuration for Airbus helicopters ranges from medium to highly complex nature of aerial duties. The company has an independent division for helicopters; in addition to the other two divisions of Commercial Aircraft and Defence and Space.
Read more:- Airbus Defence Division
Brief Introduction
Airbus Helicopters SAS (formerly Eurocopter Group) is the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus. It was formed in 1992. So far, it is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries. The head office of the division is located at Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane, France, near Marseille. The prime facilities of Airbus Helicopters are at its headquarters in Marignane, France, and in Donauworth, Germany, with additional production plants in Brazil, Australia, Spain, Romania, and the United States. The name of the company was changed from Eurocopter to Airbus Helicopters on 2 January 2014.
Read more:- Airbus Helicopters
The Lineup
Airbus has been catering to the needs of three types of customers. These helicopters fall under different types of ranges. They include the Civil range, Military range, and Technology Demonstrators.
Civil Range
Airbus is manufacturing helicopters for use in civil domains. Its civilian helicopters range from the light single-engine H125 to the 11-tonne twin-turbine H225 rotorcraft. These include:-
- Commercial Air Transport
- Public Services
- Offshore energy requirements
- Private and Business Aviation
- Aerial Work
- Emergency Medical Services (the most critical and important role)
Military Range
The company has remained equally instrumental in supporting the military forces for the successful conduct of front line missions in peace and war times. Military versions are mission-proven in the most demanding front-line conditions, and are trusted by more than 100 armed forces worldwide. The military range include:-
- Attack helicopters
- Naval Helicopters
- Maritime helicopters
- Armed Scout
- Utility helicopters
- Special Operations
Airbus Civil Helicopter Portfolios
The requirement of helicopter in the civil domain varies from the military domain. Similarly, within the civil domain, the nature of requirements and missions are also different. Due to diversified environmental conditions and terrains, not all types of helicopters can be utilized everywhere. Accordingly, the engineering for each type is different from the other type. Unlike a commercial aircraft, a helicopter is primarily used for inaccessible and difficult terrains. Therefore, their weights and gear transmissions are manufactured according to the role they are expected to play in the real-time environment.
Overall Market Share Picture
By looking at the timeline, the division has made a phenomenal growth in the helicopter industry. The market share for military helicopters is higher however, civil helicopters also do not stand too far from the military helicopters. At present, Airbus Helicopter Division has 161 customers in 52 countries around the globe. A quick glance at the orders and deliveries can give a good understanding of the company’s present growth and its potential in future.
Comparison with the Major North American Manufacturers
North America is one of the largest growing market for helicopters in the world. Airbus has struggled strong enough to compete with its counterparts Bell, Leonardo and Sikorsky. The infographics show a very strong position of Airbus Helicopter Division in North American Market. The company has 64% of this market share with a remarkable delivery timeline.
Leading Player in the Market
Despite lesser time in the industry, Airbus has managed to grab a major share of the market in the helicopter domain. The numbers speak themselves. In a larger picture, this division is bringing the largest chunk of revenue to the company. The research and development area has been effectively growing through Airbus global partnerships with the leading technical institutes around the world. last but not the least, the company has proven to be the market leader in the global helicopter industry.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDITS: Rotorplace
