Rotorcraft Cost Too Much

摘要

The rotorcraft industry is pricing itself right out of the commercial transportation marketplace. This is illustrated by he- licopter prices that have inflated significantly faster than consumer product prices and by helicopter productivity per dollar that decreases with increased purchase price. Specifically, inflation in helicopter purchase price has significantly exceeded the U.S. consumer price index since 1980. When measured in ton-knots, productivity per 1994 purchase price dollar has dimin- ished with increased size, cruise speed and added features. In sharp contrast, the propeller driven, fixed wing airliner Indus- try has not followed the rotorcraft industry I this unsatisfactory trend.