Helicopter Blades Market Analysis

Helicopter Blades Market Analysis

Military segment will witness significant growth owing to the development of helicopters with a wide range of applications and operations including high-speed combat and stealth among others. The advanced helicopters can reach a speed of around 250 miles/hr and are equipped with efficient rotor systems that reduces airflow breakdown possibilities for enhancing helicopter speed. Defence organisations including the Russian Ministry of Defence are testing their main rotor blades systems for combat helicopters for assisting in military operations. For instance, in December 2018, Russian Defence Ministry approved the development of combat helicopters and invested around USD 130 million in the project. Additionally, military organisations across the globe are procuring new helicopters to enhance their defence power. For instance, April 2019, the U.S. agreed to sell its multi-role MH-60R helicopters to India. The country is also expected to purchase 24 Seahawk maritime helicopters with an estimated cost of around USD 2.6 billion.

Civil helicopters will account for a significant share owing to increasing usage in tourism and online on-demand helicopter rental services. The emerging on-demand air mobility service providers offering instantaneous services is playing a major role in boosting the helicopter blades market size over the forecast timeline. Major air service providers are also expanding geographically to increase their market share. For instance, in 2018, Fly Blade in association with Hunch Ventures launched its on-demand helicopter services in India.

The main rotor blade accounts for major volume share in the helicopter blades market. Defense forces are continuously investing in R&D and developing several programs including the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) for developing medium utility helicopters with a focus on increasing the helicopter speed. For instance, in December 2018, Boeing and Sikorsky unveiled its advanced compound helicopter with the combination of rigid rotors and coaxial rotors, thereby expanding the helicopter blades market size.

The tail rotor blade will showcase a significant growth owing to the rising helicopter production and deliveries across the globe. The tail rotor maintains the helicopter balance and prevents the movement in unwanted direction. The development of composite tail blades with reduced vibration levels compared to conventional blades further boosts the product penetration. The expansion of manufacturing and production facilities are positively influencing the segment share. For instance, in April 2019, Airbus Helicopters opened its additional assembly line for light weight twin H135 in China.
 

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) will account for significant share in the helicopter blades market size. This can be credited to the superior strength offered by these materials for supporting helicopter operations. Additionally, the material offers higher specific modulus, that contributes significantly towards lowering helicopter weight and improving blade strength, thereby further proliferating the segment size.
 

The glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) will showcase a considerable growth in the helicopter blades market share over the projected timeframe. The material offers significant advantages over the conventional blade materials including lower manufacturing cost, light weight, and ease in manufacturing processes. However, the lower stiffness may limit its usage in main rotor blades.

OEM is expected to account for a significant volume share in the helicopter blades market size. The dominance can be attributed to the increasing helicopter production globally. The advent of light weight materials along with rising focus on upgrading existing helicopter fleet with advanced blades for increasing payload capacities. For instance, in March 2019, Airbus announced the upgradation of its H145 helicopters with five-blade rotor technology for increasing the total payload by 150 kg.
 

Aftermarket will grow considerably in the helicopter blades market owing to the requirement for periodic maintenance over a period of definitive flight cycles. The parts are required to be replaced owing to wear and tear coupled with stringent airworthiness regulations. The helicopter service providers are continuously engaged in long term agreements with MRO providers for carrying out the maintenance of their fleet. For instance, in April 2019, Caverton Helicopters signed a multi-year maintenance contract with Heli-One for serving their Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters.
 

North America helicopter blades market share will witness significant growth owing to the presence of prominent manufactures across the region. Manufacturers are opening new production and manufacturing facilities for supporting the growing helicopters demand. For instance, in March 2019, Kopter announced the opening of its new SH09 helicopter production facility in the U.S. Moreover, rising defense budget along with continuous upgradation of existing military helicopters are further supporting the regional expansion. For instance, in March 2019, the U.S. government proposed a budget of around USD 720 billion for Department of Defense.
 

Asia Pacific will grow considerably in the helicopter blades market shre over the projected timeframe. This can be attributed to the rising helicopter usage in emergency rescue operations. For instance, in November 2018, Russian Helicopters signed a deal for providing 20 Ansat EMS light twin helicopters to the Emergency Medical Association of China. Additionally, proliferating tourism in the region is resulting into growing helicopters demand. For instance, in February 2018, Nautilus Aviation received two bell helicopters for charter, tourism and utility operations.