UAV Market to Top $13 Billion by 2014

Washington, DC, April 15, 2008 – The global war on terrorism has prompted the United States to pump significant amounts of money into its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs, asserts Forecast International analyst Larry Dickerson.

Mr. Dickerson, an expert on UAVs, has been added to the roster of a new webinar, "Rotorcraft's Winning Streak: How to Leverage The Helicopter Market's Growth," scheduled for April 17, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (ET) and sponsored by the web site, Aviation Today. Register or learn more here http://www.aviationtoday.com/webinars/2008_0417.html.

Dickerson says the market for UAV Reconnaissance Systems, including air vehicles, ground control equipment and payloads, is expected to be worth $13.6 billion through 2014. "Although the popularity of UAVs continues to grow worldwide, the United States is by far the largest single market," said Dickerson. "American firms have a value share of more than 50 percent of this market and could gain control of a further 5-10 percent over the next decade," he added.

The dominance of these American companies can be attributed in part to the large U.S. requirement and the high cost of certain systems it is currently acquiring such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV. "The value of Global Hawk production over the next 10 years could reach $3.5 billion," Dickerson said. Northrop Grumman believes that sales of the Global Hawk air vehicles could exceed 200 units.

This webinar will address all aspects of the booming helicopter market, both civilian and military. Dickerson will address the UAV component. Speakers will include Matt Zuccaro, president, Helicopter Association International; Raymond Jaworowski senior aerospace analyst, Forecast International; and Jim McKenna, editor-in-chief, Rotor & Wing magazine. The moderator will be John Persinos, publisher and editorial director, Aviation Today. Register or learn more here http://www.aviationtoday.com/webinars/2008_0417.html.

Contact: John Persinos jpersinos@accessintel.com