Helicopters vs. Drones
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עברית (Hebrew)
One of the most interesting technological debates in recent years is on the issue of the preferability of unmanned systems vs. manned vehicles. Due to rising popularity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), the option of ceasing use of manned platforms is heard more and more. An example for this is the question of the influence of UAV technology on the traditional helicopter market. On the one hand, the unmanned platform market is increasingly growing, but then again there are limitations and regulations that apply to it, which means that it is still too early to be talking about UAVs completely taking over the helicopter market.
In spite of drones technology, the helicopter market remains strong. International analysts Frost & Sullivan estimate there are currently approximately 27,000 civilian helicopters in use around the world. By 2035 that figure is likely to decline by just some 3,100 units.This is not necessarily because helicopters are being replaced by UAVs but that helicopters themselves are getting ever more efficient. They are being designed from the outset with a multi-mission capability which reduces the need for a variety of platforms for different tasks. For at least the next two decades, helicopters are likely to remain the platform of choice for passenger services, search and rescue and law enforcement.
There are, however, other sectors where UAV use is starting to grow. Long-endurance surveillance and monitoring, dull or dangerous missions and mapping or 3D modeling are tasks ideally suited for unmanned systems. Another sector that increasingly uses drones is film and media. Production companies with budgetary pressures now using UAVs where previously they would have used an expensive helicopter, there is now an increase in demand from smaller companies who would never have considered using a helicopter but can afford an unmanned vehicle for overhead footage. Elsewhere, surveys that were previously done on foot can now similarly be accomplished by UAV.
It seems, then, that every platform has its use, and the main dilemma is choosing the right platform for the task at hand. In the short-to-medium term, UAV technology is unlikely to be a serious threat to the established helicopter market, even though it is currently growing at a great pace. But this does not mean that helicopter manufacturers should feel any more at ease. Unmanned and manned platforms will continue to co-exist side by side, although some may claim that in the end, the human pilot, whether flying the platform or remotely operating it, is the most important element and is, at least for the time being, irreplaceable.
