A rotorcraft is a heavy airborne machine that works by generating lift caused by its wings, which are called rotary wings or rotor blades. Several rotor blades are fixed and rotate around the pole to generate the lifting force to overcome the gravity pull and the weight by generating the required uplift pressure and providing direction through forcing down the oncoming air. The major advantage of a rotorcraft is that it can hover at a location. Gyroplanes are used for low speed surveillance operations and are relatively more cost-effective and easier to maintain than other types of aircraft.

The major concern of rotorcraft is the generation of enough lift, against the bulky wings to overcome the air force. These aircraft also require a long runway for takeoff and landing. These pose as major restrains for growth of the market for airborne weapon systems for rotorcraft.

Rotors of the aircraft are thin wings that spin around a shaft on the same spot and by that rotating force, it generates a huge downdraft of air lifting the helicopter upward. It helps to take off or land vertically and drift smoothly in any direction that is not available in a conventional plane.

Global Airborne Weapon Systems for Rotorcraft Market Taxonomy

On the basis of class, the global airborne weapon systems for rotorcraft market is segmented into:

Helicopter

Cyclocopter

Autogyro

Gyrodyne

Rotor kite

On the basis of application, the global airborne weapon systems for rotorcraft market is segmented into:

Military Rotorcraft

Attack helicopters



Maritime helicopters



Survey helicopters



Training helicopters



Transport helicopters



Multi-mission helicopters

Civil Rotorcraft

Light helicopter



Intermediate helicopter



Medium helicopter



Large & heavy helicopter

Military Rotorcraft:

The military segment is expected to exhibit significant growth over the forecast period (2017 – 2025), due to constant demand for replacing old fleets to enhance the operations.

Governments across the world are more likely to adopt multi-functional helicopters, including ground attack, air assault, cargo, surveillance, rescue operations, humanitarian aid, and troop transport due to the cut in defense budget. The Ministry of Defense, Government of India, intends to procure around 123 naval multi-role helicopters along with spare engines. Hence, the multi-mission and maritime helicopters segment is expected to account for the major market share of the global rotorcraft market over the forecast period.

Civil Rotorcraft:

Civil rotorcraft segment was valued at US$ 7.8 billion in 2016. Civil rotorcrafts offer vertical take-off and landing capabilities, which helps helicopters to function in remote areas.

Civil rotorcrafts segment is expected to witness high growth due to increasing demand for travel, medical services, general service, and firefighting. Among the civil rotorcraft, light helicopter are expected to account major market share due to the continuing crisis in the oil and gas industry that may slower the use of large and heavy helicopters.

Global Airborne Weapon Systems for Rotorcraft Market Outlook - Asia Pacific Holds Significant Market Share

Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest market share of global rotorcraft market by 2025, due to new trends and technologies in the rotorcraft industry, cutting-edge solutions, and increasing Chinese defense expenditure, followed by North America and Europe.

According to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, North America and Europe are expected to account around 39% and 27% share of global market by 2025. New helicopter deliveries in Asia Pacific are also expected to increase during the same time to over 34%.

Increasing aggressiveness of China regarding territorial clashes with its neighboring countries and strong economic growth are the primary factors driving growth of the rotorcraft market in Asia Pacific. Beijing revealed a homegrown battle chopper that is said to be the most powerful, with the ability to destroy the most powerful tank in the world.

For instance, Black Hurricane is a single door, narrow body aircraft, and multiple rocket launcher, which could fire over a dozen rockets at the same time. This aircraft is the most advanced helicopter and expected to perform air-to-ground strikes, air-to-ground fire, and air-to-air combat in any weather condition. The military helicopter has many rocket launcher and can carry four missiles at the same time. Additionally, pilot seat is protected with bullet-proof shield, which could block bullets from a 12.7mm machine gun.

China's well-documented anti-satellite weapons tests have gained traction globally. It has influenced the U.S Air Force to accelerate strategies for satellite protection, which includes improving sensor and cyber reinforcing command for the advancement in predictions for functionality in the event of an attack.

Key Players in the Global Airborne Weapon Systems for Rotorcraft Market

Major players operating in the global airborne weapon systems for rotorcraft market include The Boeing Company, Bell Helicopters, Sikorsky, Leonardo-Finmeccanica, Changhe Aircraft Industries, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Airbus Defense and Space, Embraer, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Korean Aerospace Industries, Russian Helicopters, MD Helicopters, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Enstrom Helicopters, Rolls-Royce, and Helibras.