16th April 2023
An aircraft gearbox is a mechanical component that is responsible for transmitting power from the aircraft engine to the propeller or rotor. It is a complex assembly of gears and shafts designed to operate under extreme conditions, such as high speeds and temperatures. The materials of which these gearboxes are made of iron, aluminium, and brass.
In addition to transmitting power, aircraft gearboxes also provide several other important functions, including reducing engine noise and vibration, improving fuel efficiency, and enabling the use of variable-pitch propellers, which can optimize the performance of the aircraft in different flight regimes. Aircraft gearboxes are widely utilized in the aviation industry, including commercial airliners, military jets, helicopters, and small general aviation aircraft. They are critical components that require precise design, manufacturing, and maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation.
The growing demand for new commercial and military aircraft is driving the demand for aircraft gearboxes. As new aircraft are developed and produced, there is a need for advanced gearbox systems that can deliver higher levels of performance and reliability. In addition to that, advancements in technology are enabling the development of more advanced and efficient gearbox systems. For instance, the use of lightweight materials, such as composites and titanium, is enabling the development of a more efficient and durable gearbox system. Further, the growing demand for helicopters in various applications, such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, and offshore oil and gas, is driving the demand for gearbox systems for rotorcraft.
The Global Aircraft Gearbox Market has reached a value of $2.6 billion in 2022. This market is expected to grow from $2.8 billion in 2023 to $4.5 billion in 2030 with a CAGR of 7.1% in the forecast period of 2023-2030. This market is estimated based on different key pointers that attribute to the growth which are applications including Engine & Airframes, types such as Reduction, Accessory, Actuation, Tail Rotor, APU, end-users including OEM & Aftermarket, Platforms involving Civil & Military, and components such as Gears, Housing, Bearing. Leading companies such as Liebherr, Safran, Rexnord Aerospace, Triumph Group, The Timken Company, Collins Aerospace and United Technologies Corporation are involved in manufacturing, supplying, and distributing OEM or aftermarket aircraft gearbox products.
The engine is the crucial component of the aircraft propulsion system because they are the one that provides the necessary force to elevate the aircraft from the ground level. Further, they provide sufficient force during take-off and landing. This gearbox supports the engine system to reach the required force range. Hence, the engine segment places a major position in the Aircraft Gearbox Market, and it further stimulates the growth of this market in the upcoming years.
As the rising demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient pistons and turboprop engine aircraft enhances and holds North America a significant position in the aircraft gearbox market. For instance, in 2020, the United States Air Force awarded a contract to Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, to develop and deliver advanced gearbox systems for the F-15EX fighter jet. In addition to that, in 2021, MagniX, an electric aircraft propulsion company based in Washington state, announced a partnership with H55, a Swiss electric aviation company, to develop a high-performance gearbox system for electric aircraft. All these collaborations and new contracts drive the aircraft gearbox market in the US which in turn sustains the highest position of the North American region market in aircraft gearbox. Further, it strengthens the aircraft gearbox market in the upcoming years.
It is evident the various component and utility segments of aircraft gearbox systems enhance this market. Hence, the pioneer and well-established companies should expand their product offerings by developing gearbox systems for new aircraft types, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and electric aircraft. This can help companies tap into new markets and diversify their revenue streams.
Further, providing strong aftermarket support is critical for companies to build long-term relationships with their customers. This can include offering maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as providing technical support and training. By working closely with aircraft manufacturers, companies can develop gearbox systems that are optimized for specific aircraft models and applications. This will eventually improve the Aircraft Gearbox Market in the coming years as predicted in the forecast period.