Aerospace Bearings Market - By Type (Ball Bearings, Tapered Roller Bearings, Cylindrical Roller Bearings, Spherical Bearings, Plain Bearings), By Material, By Platform, By Application, By Sales Channel, Forecast 2022 – 2032

Aerospace Bearings Market Size

Aerospace Bearings Market size was valued at USD 7.3 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 8% between 2023 and 2032. Increasing demand for space exploration will accelerate the global market demand.
 

The development of electric & hybrid aircraft is gaining traction due to the push for greener and more sustainable aviation solutions. These aircraft require specialized aerospace Bearings to support the electric propulsion systems and components. Electric & hybrid aircraft aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by using electric propulsion. Aerospace Bearings used in these aircraft must be lightweight and efficient to contribute to overall weight savings. Lighter aircraft require less energy to operate, leading to improved efficiency and extended range. Electric motors generate heat during operation, which can impact the performance and lifespan of Bearings. Aerospace Bearings designed for electric & hybrid aircraft must have effective temperature management features to ensure that they operate within safe temperature ranges and provide consistent performance.
 

Aerospace Bearings refers to a specialized component designed to enable relative motion between moving parts while reducing friction and supporting loads. These Bearings play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of various aerospace systems including aircraft, spacecraft & satellites.

The aerospace sector demands Bearings that operate in extreme conditions including high temperatures, vibrations, and pressure differentials. Developing Bearings that perform consistently under these conditions can be technically challenging and may require specialized materials & design expertise. Such factors can hinder market growth.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on various industries including the aerospace Bearings market. The pandemic led to disruptions in the global supply chain, reduced air travel demand, and operational challenges for manufacturers & suppliers. The sharp decline in air travel demand resulted in decreased orders for new aircraft and the grounding of existing fleets. This had a ripple effect on the aerospace bearings industry as there was a reduced need for new Bearings for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. While commercial aviation witnessed a decline, segments such as cargo transport and defense remained relatively stable. This shift in demand patterns influenced the types of aerospace Bearings required by different sectors.
 

Aerospace Bearings Market Trends

The trend of miniaturization and integration is reshaping the aerospace bearings industry landscape as aerospace systems increasingly demand compactness and seamless integration. Bearings are being meticulously designed to occupy reduced spaces while upholding their load-Bearings prowess, thereby aligning with the specific requirements of small satellites, drones, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This trend is driven by the need to optimize payload capacities, enhance maneuverability, and maximize performance efficiency within limited dimensions, thereby revolutionizing how Bearings contribute to the evolution of modern aerospace technologies. As small satellites, drones, and UAVs continue to develop, the adaptation of compact yet robust Bearings showcases the industry's commitment to achieving higher levels of functionality in constrained spaces.
 

Aerospace Bearings Market Analysis

Based on material, the aerospace bearings market is segmented into stainless steel, aluminum alloys, metal polymer & engineered plastic, fiber reinforced composites and ceramic. The metal polymer & engineered plastic segment was valued at over USD 850 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace through 2032. The self-lubricating nature of metal polymer & engineered plastic Bearings eliminates the need for external lubrication. This characteristic reduces maintenance requirements, extends Bearings lifespan, and enhances operational efficiency, making them an attractive choice for aerospace applications.
 

Engineered plastics and metal-polymer composites offer excellent corrosion resistance, a crucial feature for aerospace systems that operate in diverse & challenging environments. This resistance enhances the durability & reliability of Bearings, especially in applications exposed to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Growth in emerging technologies, such as drones, urban air mobility vehicles & small satellites, drives the demand for compact, lightweight, and efficient components. Metal polymer and engineered plastic Bearings align well with the requirements of these innovative aerospace platforms.
 

Based on type, the aerospace bearings market is segmented into ball Bearings, tapered roller Bearings, cylindrical roller Bearings, spherical Bearings, and plain Bearings. The ball Bearings segment held a CAGR of over 8.5% in 2022 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace up to 2032. Ball Bearings are designed to reduce friction and facilitate rotation between two surfaces. They consist of an outer ring, an inner ring, balls (rolling elements), and a cage that holds the balls in place. Ball Bearings are widely used in aerospace applications where the need for low friction, high precision, and durability is critical.
 

The aerospace industry's focus on reducing fuel consumption and emissions is leading to the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft. Ball Bearings that offer low friction and efficient rotation play a role in achieving these goals by minimizing energy losses. The global demand for air travel has been consistently growing, driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, increased tourism, and globalization. This growth in air travel leads to higher production rates of aircraft, directly increasing the demand for aerospace ball Bearings.
 

North America has a strong presence in space exploration with organizations such as NASA and private companies leading the way. Bearings are major components in space launch vehicles, satellites, and space exploration equipment. The region's substantial defense budget supports the demand for aerospace components including Bearings for military aircraft, drones, and defense systems. The existing large fleet of aircraft in North America creates a steady demand for aerospace Bearings in MRO activities, supporting the aftermarket segment. Furthermore, collaboration between aerospace OEMs, Bearings manufacturers & research institutions fosters technological advancements and the development of specialized Bearings solutions. North America is home to major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, which drives the demand for aerospace Bearings.  
 

Aerospace Bearings Market Share

The aerospace bearings market is highly competitive owing to the presence of key players such as

• Kaman Corporation
• SKF
• JTEKT Corporation
• Schaeffler AG
• The Timken Company
• NSK Ltd.
• NTN
• C&U
• ZWZ
• LYC
• Minebea
• NACHi
• GGB (EnPro Industries)

Increasing investments in facility centers & acquisitions by industry participants are expected to expand their foothold in the commercial industry. Similarly, significant investments in R&D to gain technological competitiveness and aggressive business strategies, such as technological launches, collaborations & long-term agreements, to capture market shares are positively impacting the aerospace bearings industry.
 

Aerospace Bearings Industry News

• In May 2022, Rolls Royce entered a 12-year rolling Bearings deal with Schaeffler. Rolls-Royce will secure the rolling Bearings supply chain until 2035 with Schaeffler’s reliable products & leading manufacturing technologies. In contrast, Schaeffler will support Rolls-Royce with innovative products, R&D excellence, and state-of-the-art manufacturing. The primary focus of this cooperation is on rolling Bearings systems for aircraft engines in business aviation and widebody aircraft growth areas.
   

The aerospace Bearings market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By Type

• Ball Bearings
• Tapered roller Bearings
• cylindrical roller Bearings
• Spherical Bearings
• Plain Bearings

By Material

• Stainless steel
• Aluminum alloys
• Metal polymer & engineered plastic
• Fiber reinforced composites
• Ceramic
• Others

By Application

• Landing gear
• Engine components
• Doors & interiors
• Flight control systems
• Cockpit controls
• Aerostructure
• Others

By Platform

• Fixed wing
  • Narrow body
  • Wide body
  • Regional jets
  • Fighter jets
• Rotary wing
  • Helicopters

By Sales Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket