Rolls-Royce has predicted a demand for 16,400 new turbine helicopters, valued at $146bn, over the next ten years.

The demand for the new helicopters will result from the improving civil market and a growing need from military operators.

Market growth will be supplemented by demand for replacements for retired and aging helicopters.

According to Rolls-Royce, about 10,300 civil helicopters will be delivered during the period with an airframe value estimated at $38bn and associated engine value of $4.2bn.

Rolls-Royce’s helicopter engine business president, Ken Roberts, said the industry did not escape the economic downturn in 2009, but emerging conditions had set the stage for modest growth in the near-term followed by solid long-term demand.

“The rotorcraft market will continue to be counterbalanced by offsetting civil and military requirements, and stronger macroeconomic conditions are expected to result in increased demand in the future,” he said.

Military helicopter deliveries are predicted to total to 6,100 new helicopters during the ten-year period with an airframe value of about $108bn and an associated engine value of $7.7bn.