The Aircraft Strut Market size was estimated at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Aircraft Strut Market

Market Summary

The aircraft strut market is an integral segment within the broader aerospace and aviation components industry, focusing on the manufacturing and supply of critical landing gear and support structures. These components are essential for ensuring the safety, stability, and performance of various aircraft during takeoff, landing, and ground operations. The market caters to a wide range of aircraft, including commercial airliners, military aircraft, business jets, and general aviation platforms. Key materials employed in strut production include high-strength steel, titanium, and advanced aluminum alloys, chosen for their durability and ability to withstand extreme operational stresses. The industry is characterized by stringent regulatory standards and certification requirements mandated by aviation authorities globally, ensuring that all strut systems meet rigorous safety and performance benchmarks. Continuous innovation in design and material science is driving advancements aimed at enhancing component longevity, reducing weight, and improving overall aircraft efficiency. The market's dynamics are closely tied to aircraft production rates, fleet modernization programs, and the overall health of the aviation sector, making it a vital area for stakeholders involved in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.

Key Highlights

The aircraft strut market is distinguished by its critical role in aviation safety, where component failure is not an option, necessitating unparalleled reliability and precision engineering. A prominent highlight is the increasing adoption of composite materials and additive manufacturing techniques, which allow for the production of lighter and more durable strut systems that contribute to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Another significant aspect is the growing demand for aftermarket services and replacement parts, driven by an aging global aircraft fleet requiring ongoing maintenance and upgrades. The market also sees robust investment in research and development activities focused on enhancing fatigue resistance and corrosion protection, extending the operational life of these components. Furthermore, strategic partnerships and long-term supply agreements between strut manufacturers and major aerospace OEMs such as Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin are common, ensuring a stable demand pipeline. The integration of smart technologies and health monitoring systems into strut assemblies represents an emerging trend, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time performance tracking. These factors collectively underscore the market's innovative trajectory and its essential contribution to the advancement of modern aviation.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

Several key drivers propel the aircraft strut market forward, including the steady increase in global air passenger traffic, which fuels demand for new aircraft and, consequently, for advanced landing gear systems. Fleet expansion and modernization initiatives undertaken by airlines worldwide further stimulate market growth, as older aircraft are phased out in favor of newer, more efficient models. Additionally, heightened defense spending in numerous countries supports the procurement of military aircraft, which require robust and reliable strut systems. The market presents significant opportunities, particularly in the development and commercialization of next-generation materials such as carbon fiber composites and titanium alloys that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios. The rising emphasis on sustainable aviation creates avenues for innovations aimed at reducing component weight to lower fuel consumption. However, the market faces notable restraints, including the high costs associated with research, development, and certification of new strut technologies, which can limit rapid innovation. Economic volatility and fluctuations in raw material prices also pose challenges, impacting production costs and profitability. Regulatory hurdles and the lengthy approval processes for new aircraft components can further slow down market entry and innovation, requiring manufacturers to navigate a complex compliance landscape.

Concentration Insights

The aircraft strut market exhibits a concentrated competitive landscape, dominated by a handful of established players with extensive expertise and long-standing relationships with major aerospace OEMs. Companies such as Safran Landing Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems (now part of Raytheon Technologies), and Heroux-Devtek hold significant market shares, leveraging their technological capabilities and global distribution networks. These industry leaders often engage in vertical integration, controlling multiple stages of the production process from raw material processing to final assembly and testing. The market concentration is further reinforced by high barriers to entry, including substantial capital investment requirements, stringent regulatory certifications, and the need for specialized engineering knowledge. Smaller firms typically focus on niche segments or act as suppliers and subcontractors to larger corporations, providing specialized components or aftermarket services. Geographically, production and innovation activities are concentrated in regions with strong aerospace manufacturing bases, such as North America and Europe, although Asia-Pacific is emerging as a growing hub due to increasing aircraft production in countries like China and Japan. This concentration dynamics ensure that quality and reliability remain paramount, but also foster a environment where collaboration and partnerships are essential for market participation and growth.

Type Insights

Aircraft struts are categorized into several types based on their design and functional characteristics, with oleo-pneumatic struts being the most prevalent in modern aviation due to their effective shock absorption capabilities. These struts utilize a combination of oil and nitrogen to dampen impact forces during landing, providing a smooth deceleration and enhancing passenger comfort. Another common type is the spring steel strut, often used in lighter aircraft where simplicity and weight savings are critical; these rely on the inherent flexibility of steel to absorb energy. Additionally, air-oil struts represent another variant, functioning similarly to oleo-pneumatic systems but with specific design adjustments for certain aircraft models. The choice of strut type is influenced by factors such as aircraft weight, operational requirements, and performance specifications. Innovations in strut design continue to evolve, with developments focused on integrating electronic monitoring systems that provide real-time data on strut health and performance. The diversity in strut types allows manufacturers to tailor solutions to specific aircraft applications, ensuring optimal performance across different aviation segments from commercial jets to military fighters.

Application Insights

Aircraft struts find primary application in the landing gear systems of various aircraft, where they play a crucial role in supporting the aircraft's weight during ground operations and absorbing the immense forces generated during landing. In commercial aviation, struts are designed to handle high cycle operations and frequent use, prioritizing reliability and maintenance efficiency to minimize aircraft downtime. Military applications demand struts that can withstand more extreme conditions, including rough field landings and higher impact forces, often incorporating advanced materials and robust designs for enhanced durability. Business and general aviation aircraft utilize struts that balance performance with weight considerations, contributing to overall fuel efficiency and operational economy. Additionally, struts are employed in other aircraft systems beyond landing gear, such as in certain types of wing support structures and emergency evacuation systems, where energy absorption and structural integrity are vital. The application scope is broadening with the advent of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and urban air mobility concepts, which require innovative strut solutions tailored to smaller, autonomous aircraft. This diverse application landscape drives continuous adaptation and specialization in strut design and manufacturing to meet the unique demands of each aviation sector.

Regional Insights

The aircraft strut market demonstrates distinct regional characteristics influenced by geographic economic conditions, aerospace manufacturing presence, and defense expenditure levels. North America represents a dominant region, propelled by the strong presence of major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, coupled with high defense budgets that drive military aircraft production. The United States, in particular, is a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing techniques, hosting key strut suppliers and research facilities. Europe follows closely, with countries such as France, Germany, and the UK housing leading aerospace companies including Airbus and Safran, which fosters a robust demand for high-quality strut systems. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing air travel demand, expanding commercial aircraft fleets, and rising investments in defense capabilities in nations like China, India, and Japan. Emerging economies in Latin America and the Middle East are also contributing to market growth, albeit at a slower pace, as they invest in aviation infrastructure and fleet modernization. Each region presents unique opportunities and challenges, influenced by local regulatory environments, industrial capabilities, and economic stability, shaping the strategic approaches of market participants operating on a global scale.

Company Insights

The competitive landscape of the aircraft strut market features several prominent companies renowned for their engineering excellence and innovation. Safran Landing Systems, a division of Safran SA, is a global leader, providing landing systems and struts for a wide array of commercial, military, and regional aircraft. UTC Aerospace Systems, now part of Raytheon Technologies, offers comprehensive landing gear solutions including advanced strut technologies, serving major OEMs worldwide. Heroux-Devtek, a Canadian-based company, specializes in the design and manufacture of landing gear and strut systems, with a strong focus on military and commercial applications. Other significant players include Circor Aerospace & Defense, which supplies precision components including struts, and Liebherr-Aerospace, known for its integrated landing gear systems. These companies invest heavily in research and development to enhance product performance, reduce weight, and incorporate smart technologies for predictive maintenance. Strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are common, allowing firms to expand their product portfolios and geographic reach. The emphasis on quality, reliability, and adherence to international standards is paramount, ensuring that these companies maintain their reputations and competitive positions in a market where safety is the highest priority.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the aircraft strut market reflect a strong trend towards technological innovation and strategic business movements. Advancements in material science have led to the increased use of titanium and composite materials in strut construction, aimed at achieving weight reduction without compromising strength or durability. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is being explored for producing complex strut components with greater design flexibility and reduced waste. Several leading companies have announced new product launches featuring integrated health monitoring systems that use sensors to provide real-time data on strut condition, enabling predictive maintenance and enhancing operational safety. On the corporate front, there have been notable mergers and acquisitions aimed at consolidating market position and expanding technological capabilities; for instance, larger aerospace entities have acquired specialized strut manufacturers to broaden their product offerings. Collaborations between strut suppliers and aerospace OEMs have intensified, focusing on co-developing next-generation landing gear systems for upcoming aircraft models. Additionally, investments in expanding production facilities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, indicate a strategic focus on tapping into growing regional demand. These developments underscore a dynamic market environment where innovation, efficiency, and strategic growth are key priorities.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive market research report on the aircraft strut industry is meticulously segmented to provide detailed insights across various dimensions. The segmentation by type includes oleo-pneumatic struts, spring steel struts, and air-oil struts, each analyzed for their market presence, technological trends, and application suitability. Application-wise, the report covers commercial aviation, military aviation, business and general aviation, and emerging segments such as unmanned aerial vehicles, highlighting specific demand drivers and growth prospects for each. Geographically, the analysis is divided into key regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa, examining regional production capabilities, demand patterns, and competitive landscapes. Furthermore, the report offers a detailed company profiling section, featuring leading market participants like Safran Landing Systems, Raytheon Technologies, and Heroux-Devtek, among others, focusing on their product portfolios, strategic initiatives, and market shares. Additional segments may include analysis by material type, such as steel, aluminum, and composites, and by aircraft type, providing a granular view of the market dynamics. This structured segmentation enables stakeholders to identify specific opportunities, understand competitive pressures, and make informed decisions based on comprehensive, categorized data.

FAQs

What is an aircraft strut? An aircraft strut is a vital component of the landing gear system, designed to support the aircraft's weight on the ground and absorb the shock and impact forces during landing, ensuring stability and safety.

How does an oleo strut work? An oleo strut operates by using a combination of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air; upon impact during landing, the fluid is forced through small orifices, converting kinetic energy into heat and providing a dampening effect to smooth out the landing.

What are the different types of aircraft landing gear? The primary types of aircraft landing gear include tricycle gear, conventional gear, and tandem gear, each with distinct configurations affecting stability, ground handling, and application suitability for different aircraft.

Why is nitrogen used in aircraft struts? Nitrogen is used in aircraft struts because it is an inert, dry gas that prevents corrosion and oxidation within the strut assembly, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the risk of internal component degradation over time.

How often should aircraft struts be serviced? Aircraft struts require regular servicing as per manufacturer guidelines and aviation regulatory standards, typically involving inspections during routine maintenance checks and overhaul after a certain number of flight cycles or calendar time to ensure airworthiness.

What materials are commonly used in aircraft struts? Common materials for aircraft struts include high-strength steel, aluminum alloys, and titanium, chosen for their excellent strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and resistance to fatigue and corrosion under demanding operational conditions.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Aircraft Strut Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Aircraft Strut Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Aircraft Strut Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Aircraft Strut Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Aircraft Strut Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Aircraft Strut Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Aircraft Strut Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Aircraft Strut Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Aircraft Strut Market
• Aircraft Strut Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Aircraft Strut Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Aircraft Strut Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Aircraft Strut Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Aircraft Strut Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Aircraft Strut Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Aircraft Strut Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Aircraft Strut Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

Report Customization

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