TECHNOLOGY MUST BE APPLIED TO REDUCE PRODUCTION AND MAINTENANCE COST

Rotorcraft have played and will continue to play a significant role in world aviation. The wide functionality of the helicopter is attractive to a variety of customers. Unique uses for the helicopter by the military, natural resource, medical/rescue, tourism, executive transport, and law enforcement communities provide a diverse market. As we enter the next century, the only limit to the wider use of rotorcraft is economics. The focus of helicopter manufacturers must be on reducing initial prices as well as operating costs. This paper will describe factors that drive cost for both the manufacturer and the operator. Examples will illustrate current successes that Bell Helicopter has achieved in reducing cost and areas of potential cost reduction that we would like to explore.