An extensive market study by Bell Helicopter shows potential sales of 1,000 civil tiltrotors in this class over the next 20 years. More than 80 customers have each paid $100,000 to reserve a production slot. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2003.

The following chart illustrates the importance placed on VTOL capabilities when combined with greatly improved speed and range. The BA 609 tiltrotor sells for two times the price of a equivalent size helicopter. It has two times the speed and almost three times the range. The BA 609 sells for the premium price even though its operating expenses (which include a co-pilot) will be higher.

The PC-12 does not have VTOL capabilities. It sells for less than one- third the price of a BA 609 even though it has three times the range and carries the same number of passengers at the same speed.

CARTERCOPTERS WILL COMPETE IN MOST MARKETS

Carter aircraft should be competitive with equivalent size fixed-wing aircraft when compared by cost per seat / ton-mile, so they should quickly enter fixed-wing markets as well as helicopter and tiltrotor markets. The operating cost of the above described Carter gyroplane and Carter Heliplane should be similar to the Pilatus PC-12.

The Carter gyroplane could sell for less than one-third the cost of the BA 609. It would carry as many passengers at the same speed for almost six times the distance. It will have full VTOL capabilities although this version will not be able to hover.

The Carter Heliplane will have full hover capability like helicopters and tiltrotors. It will cost slightly more than the Carter gyroplane and fly slightly slower. Range and payload will be similar.