Helicopter Blades Market Size

Helicopter Blades Market size valued at USD 545 million in 2018 and is estimated to exhibit over 3% CAGR from 2019 to 2025.

Increasing helicopter sales across the globe owing to rising applications in military and emergency medical services (EMS) among others are driving the helicopter blades market share over the study timeframe. The development of advanced new helicopters with increasing payload capabilities, comfort, connectivity, and ease of operations are diversifying its applications across EMS. Additionally, an upsurge in military and defense budgets globally are providing a positive outlook for the industry expansion.

The ability of helicopters to perform a diversified range of operations including vertical take-off and landing operations along with the capability to hover across areas are expanding the helicopter blades market size. Additionally, the usage of light materials for producing such aircrafts with a focus on improving efficiency and reduce carbon emissions are the prime focus areas of manufacturers to increase their business share.

Industry players are continuously engaged in R&D for developing advanced manufacturing processes for improving their operational efficiency. Most manufacturers are also opting for 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies, that enables for rapid prototyping and reducing production time considerably. For instance, in February 2019, Thermwood Corporation announced the production of helicopter blades for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. using Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) 3D printing technologies.

The increasing adoption of smart helicopter technologies are enabling OEM’s to diversify their product portfolio and gain competitive edge over the competition. The incorporation of innovative blade systems including the active blades with the capability of adapting to the aerodynamic properties of helicopter blade flows enables for efficient flight travel. Additionally, the smart blades also enable for reduced vibrations, noise & harshness, thereby boosting the helicopter blades market share over the study timeframe.

Industry participants are continuously upgrading their product portfolio by introducing newer variants with multiple blade rotors to improve the overall helicopter in-flight experience. These are also designed with a focus on minimizing noise, turbulence, and vibrations along with focus on improving efficiency. For instance, in July 2018, Airbus launched H160 helicopters with an advanced Blue Edge five-bladed main rotor system, thereby enhancing the helicopter blades market share.

Stringent regulatory norms associated with the mandatory testing and regulating the helicopter blades prior to commercialization are providing a positive outlook. Government organizations including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers multiple regulations including the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and Parts Manufacturing Authority (PMA) that mandates certain tests including fatigue, material, and airborne testing, thereby encouraging manufacturers to offer reliable and highly durable helicopter blades.