by The aircraft radome refers to a structural, weatherproof enclosure placed over a radar antenna or radio transparent structure used in an aircraft to protect the antenna and ensure that radio waves pass through it unaffected. Aircraft radomes allow radar or radio waves to pass through them while protecting the antenna systems from air pressure and turbulence at high altitudes. They are usually composed of plastics, fiberglass, or other non-metallic composites to be transparent to radio waves.
The Global Aircraft Radome Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 738.09 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in The Aircraft Radome Market are Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, National Fertilizers Ltd., and Fertikal N.V. The growing aircraft deliveries globally and increasing adoption of radomes to improve radar system efficiency are fueling market growth. Advancements in composite materials such as carbon fiber composites and 3D printed radomes are improving radome durability and enabling complex radome shapes.
Market drivers
The primary driver boosting the aircraft radome market is the increasing aircraft deliveries worldwide. Over 39,000 commercial aircraft are projected to be delivered by 2038, according to Airbus Global Market Forecast. This will create high demand for radomes to equip the delivered aircraft. In addition, advancement and modernization programs of existing fleets are propelling the need to replace aging radomes. Other factors such as stringent aviation regulations regarding aircraft parts testing and certification are ensuring quality radomes and fueling market revenues. Military aircraft modernization programs are another key factor driving the aircraft radome industry.
Current Challenges in Aircraft Radome Market
The aircraft radome market is facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak has severely impacted the aviation industry as governments across the globe have imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions. This has tremendously reduced passenger travel and aircraft fleet utilization rates. With lesser demand from commercial aircraft producers, the production volumes of radomes have also declined significantly.
Moreover, the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have strained radome production and procurement for aircraft OEMs. Lockdowns enforced in several countries due to rising COVID cases have disrupted manufacturing activities and delivery of raw materials. Maintaining adequate inventory levels has also been difficult amid unpredictable demand recovery patterns. Rising cases of new coronavirus variants further pose uncertainties around the market recovery timeline.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: High durability and protection of radomes against weather conditions. Radomes effectively protect radar antennas from harsh weather, dust, dirt and other external factors.
Weakness: High production and procurement costs involved. Radomes require advanced materials like composites, alloys and plastics which increases costs.
Opportunity: Growing demand for military UAV radomes. Increasing usage of unmanned aerial vehicles for defense and surveillance applications drives the need for specialized radomes.
Threats: Stringent aircraft certification norms. Radomes must undergo thorough testing and certification according to aviation standards to ensure airworthiness. Changes to regulations pose challenges.
Geographical Regions with Highest Aircraft Radome Market Value
North America dominates the regional aircraft radome market in terms of value. Major presence of leading aircraft OEMs and component manufacturers in the US and Canada stimulates radome demand. Sizeable defense budgets and new procurement programs from Pentagon also contribute to market growth.
Fastest Growing Regional Market
Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest growing regional market for aircraft radomes during the forecast period. Thriving aviation industry with rising passenger traffic and aircraft deliveries in China and India will drive the need. Increasing military modernization programs will further support the regional market.
