Verticon 2025

As the rotorcraft market rebounds, Airbus and Robinson unveil new platforms prioritizing reliability, affordability and proven technology.

Editors at Verticon run the rule over new programs launched by Airbus and Robinson and discuss other highlights from the event, formerly known as Heli-Expo.

Australia’s McDermott Aviation owns the type certificate to the twin-engine, 8-metric-ton helicopter.

Lessor GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) ordered five new-build H225s on March 12.

Portugal’s Omni Helicopters International is to put the first production 525 through a 500-hr., six-month-long trial.

Developed with communications specialist Outerlink Global Solutions, the sensor monitors the difference in real time between air temperature and dew point.

Rotortrade, the helicopter distributor business owned by Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) is entering the rotorcraft leasing business.

Enstrom has been unable to access its home market since the FAA in April 2020 mandated crash-resistant fuel systems for all aircraft built and sold in the U.S.

Airbus has secured firm orders for 35 of its new H140 twin-engine light helicopter following the aircraft’s debut at the Verticon rotorcraft industry gathering.

Robinson Helicopter CEO and President David Smith says 295 rotorcraft were delivered last year.

The company is targeting a renewed annual output of up to 12 of the twin-engine heavy helicopters.

Airbus expects that a growth variant of its H135 will appeal to commercial and parapublic operators.

An additional limited production “R66 Riviera” will also be offered with advanced Garmin avionics and a three-axis autopilot.

Leonardo Helicopters is preparing to spin-up local assembly of rotorcraft in Algeria after securing orders from the country’s military.

Some 500 hr. of flying will take place over six months as part of the Guyana trials.

The airframer will respond to an upcoming request for proposals (RFP) from industry–expected as early as April.

Dubbed HeliStorm, the lightweight, high-speed electric engine family will cover the 6,000-7,000 rpm range.

London-based Macquarie Rotorcraft Ltd is to be taken over by the joint venture of Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing (SMFL) and LCI Helicopters (LCI).

Weighing 115 lb. with a 10.3-ft. wingspan, the all-composite RBW is a flying wing aircraft in a tailsitter configuration that flies autonomously.

Robinson Helicopter Company has announced the launch of the R88, its much-anticipated new large rotorcraft and the company’s first major product-line refresh since the R66 turbine was revealed in 2007.

Leaders in the sector say business is on an upward trajectory after years of stagnation.

Renewed demand and new technology are prompting manufacturers to turn their attention to the lighter end of the rotorcraft market.