Forecast International projects that makers of light commercial helicopters will ship 17,286 rotorcraft worth $58.6 billion during 2012-2021. The total during this forecast period includes production of more than 5,803 piston-powered and 11,483 turbine-powered rotorcraft. Production rose sharply during a cyclical upswing in 2003-2007, and sizable backlogs largely protected manufacturers in 2008. The industry saw major declines in production in 2009 and 2010. Production rose sharply in 2011 as the economic situation improved and is forecast to continue to improve through 2019, when the current growth cycle is expected to peter out.
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