China’s Sichuan Dahua acquires Austria’s ‘ArrowCopter’ – the world’s fastest gyrocopter

Tuesday 1st October 2019

Sichuan Dahua General Aircraft Manufacturing Company of China (大华通飞) has successfully acquired the entire assets of leading European gyrocopter company, ArrowCopter.  The transaction was brokered by consultants Aerospace Investments Co. Ltd (UK) and Silk Wings Aviation (Beijing), who are now actively assisting in the completion phase.  The deal follows the recent conclusion of a formal agreement in an insolvency court in Austria. 

Production of the all-composite ArrowCopter will remain in Austria, whilst discussions take place with several of the company’s former key personnel.

Sichuan Dahua General Aircraft Manufacturing Company is committed to investing in production in Europe. There will also be a parallel, complementary certification programme to prepare the ArrowCopter for serial production in China.  Dahua will continue to further develop the business, focusing on R&D upgrades on the ArrowCopter series, as well as streamlining production within Europe and China.

The market potential for Gyrocopters in Asia is developing rapidly, especially in China, where the ArrowCopter will be certified in the Lightweight Sports (LSA category). Three Gyrocopter manufacturers have already been certified by the CAAC (LSA) in China and are enjoying strong sales success.

About ArrowCopter

ArrowCopter is an innovative high-performance Gyrocopter.  Available in a single seater (AC-10) and the two-seat tandem (AC-20) model. The ArrowCopter is aerodynamically designed to enhance performance, as well as safety and comfort.  ArrowCopter is the world's fastest production gyrocopter, offering the lowest external noise level in the industry owing to its innovative shape and full carbon fibre construction.  ArrowCopter has acquired sport aircraft flight certifications in several EASA countries as well as being registered in the USA in the experimental class, on a designated permit to fly.

Milestones in ArrowCopter’s development

The prototype design of the ArrowCopter was first unveiled in 2006.  On November 20, 2008, the single-seater AC-10 made its first flight.  Three years later, in 2011, commercial production started.  The two-seat AC-20 prototype made its first flight that same year.  During 2016 40 units were sold to 15 countries worldwide. 

In September 2018 the company filed for insolvency protection from the Austrian courts, beleaguered by insufficient financing and management issues.  This led to the disposal of all assets and the sale to Sichuan Dahua General Aircraft Manufacturing Company. 

ArrowCopter's market and plan

ArrowCopter is established in a market where the annual production of gyrocopters is approximately 400-500 units. Principal markets are Europe and Australia. Compared with traditional helicopters, the gyrocopter offers a much lower cost to market, with reduced operating costs versus light category helicopters.  Gyrocopters are widely used for multi-mission activity including pilot training, personal transport, aerial photography, observational monitoring, policing, pipeline inspection, electric cable monitoring, fire controls and other military and civil applications.

About Aerospace Investments

Aerospace Investments Co. Ltd is based in Malaysia and the UK.  The business specializes in mergers & acquisitions and general aviation consulting services, with a focus on Asia’s emerging general aviation industry.  Clients include manufacturers, governments, training organizations, design engineering firms and flight schools.  Aerospace Investments is uniquely qualified to assist Asian, including Chinese, and Western clients, calling on a combination of business acumen, government and industry connections with in-depth aviation support, gained from a collective 50 years’ expertise within the GA marketplace.  Services include M&A introductions; aviation consulting; fund raising and capital investment opportunities; fixed wing and rotary aircraft sales, disposal and acquisitions and developing sport flying awareness in Asia.