Aircraft Lightning Protection Market Analysis

Aircraft Lightning Protection Market Analysis

Transient voltage suppressors segment in the aircraft lightning protection market accounted for more than USD 2.5 billion in 2019. There is an increasing requirement for active aircraft protection systems to respond to sudden or momentary overvoltage conditions. Transient voltage suppressor diodes offer critical protection in few nanoseconds after a strike by clamping the transient voltage. These systems protect critical flight applications associated with multiple engine control units, flight control systems, and actuator controls. Moreover, stringent regulations requiring the mandatory replacement of components after a definitive flight cycle to maintain airworthiness will further accelerate product growth.

Aircraft lightning protection market for civil segment is anticipated to witness around 3% growth rate till 2026. Increasing implementation of lightning protection systems in civil aircraft, such as Boeing and Airbus, is expected to fuel the market growth. Frequent lightning strikes cause severe damages to civil aircraft fuselage, thereby leading to excessive repairs. Furthermore, rising concern for passenger safety is compelling aircraft manufacturers to incorporate cutting-edge safety features within aircraft. Major aircraft manufacturers including Boeing and Airbus are performing in-house tests to ensure improved adequacy of lightning protection systems. These companies are also engaged in offering improved protection from lightning strikes by coating and covering aircraft composite parts with expanded foils and wire meshes.

In 2019, the business jets segment captured more than 20% of the aircraft lightning protection market share owing to the rising inter-continental business activities. Geographic expansion of companies has led to increase in travelling in various regions, thereby positively influencing the industry size in the near future. The adoption of composite materials in business jets to resist current flow during lightning will further augment segment growth.
 

The line-fit segment accounts for over 90% of the revenue share led by the installation of conductive materials to safeguard airplane structure from lightning strikes. Aircraft manufacturers are designing systems and components including expanded metals that can withstand & dissipate electrical discharge of strikes while providing immediate weight reduction on lightning protection components. Market players are investing in R&D to enhance electrical conductivity. OEMs are manufacturing products, such as transient voltage suppressors, static wicks, and expanded metal foils, to overcome the shortcomings of composite materials, thereby providing a positive outlook for the market value.
 

North America aircraft lightning protection market is poised to expand at more than 3% CAGR through 2026 impelled by the presence of key aircraft manufacturers in North America offering a wide range of aircraft. Rising aircraft production to cater to the ever-growing consumer demand is further leveraging industry growth over the forecast period. Technological advancements in aircraft manufacturing including increasing utilization of composite materials and lowering of overall system weight are prompting regular updates on stringent lightning safety regulations.