Originally Posted by
tu154
The industry will want whatever is cheap. And by industry I mean the oil industry. Hence the rise of the H175. Don't know how a tilt rotor will compare in terms of cost, but that will be the key.
Not necessarily to be cheaper.
I think new niche markets have to be carved out.
Carving out niches will mean by definition that marketshare will be limited. But limited market share will not help to bring the price down.
For oil industry more deepwater further offshore will become within reach. (But deepwater Drilling itself is a bit out of fashion with current oil prices.)
HEMS in rural area’s will become possible. (I understood Flying doctors Australia might be one of the first customers) This will save time and lives so probably cheaper for insurance companies.
SAR cover can be extended.
But I do not think that governments want to voluntarily extended this.
Business aviation: time is money.
Eliminating the airport to switch from jet to helicopter would save time but is only valid up to the range of the tilt rotor which is relativly short compared to the large business jets.
Any other niches?
Cheers SLB