|
|
Composite Application Market Assessment - A Global OverviewProduct Type: Market Research ReportPublished by: Frost & Sullivan Published: May 2008 Product Code: R1-6493 Description This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Composite Application Market Assessment - A Global Review provides a comprehensive overview of trends and demand forecasts for carbon fibre composites over the next ten years. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following composite material applications in the commercial aviation sector.Application of Composite Materials in Aerospace Sector Soars Due to Cost and Performance Benefits The use of high-end carbon fibre composites in commercial aircraft is on the rise. In 2007, the total market value of finished composites in aerospace products grew by 5 per cent over the previous year to reach more than $7 billion. Competitive offerings and high strength-to-weight ratio have augmented the fuel efficiency of aircraft and have set the stage for the full adoption of composites in aircraft currently under production and in next-generation aircraft as well. Consequently, the design and manufacturing methodology will also shift to a high-end integrated system, benefiting from the revolution in composite technology. Traditionally, composite technology was not as widely used in the aerospace industry as it is at present. Through enhanced research capability, composites currently account for a major portion of the structural weight of aircraft. "Composites have considerable potential in commercial aviation sectors with the largest end users in this segment being business, light and very light aircraft," notes the analyst of this research. "This will create a new dimension in the production of next-generation aircraft, with improved cabin comfort, superior economic quality and, most importantly, increased fuel efficiency." Composites offer a ‘value-added’ technology that benefit both aircraft/engine manufacturers and airlines in managing the cost structure of their business. Technology Advances Critical to Capture Large Commercial Jets Market 2007 was a year of engineering excellence with the imminent launch of new-generation aircraft such as the B787 and A380 triggering a sudden boom in carbon fibre composites. Due to the opportunities they present for weight saving, the share of composites in the structural weight of civil aircraft over the last 30 years has grown by more than 15 per cent. "While business-light and very light jets require more composite production, the early experience of large commercial jets with composites raises questions about their suitability in large aerostructures," cautions the analyst. "The challenge for material suppliers is to continually focus on both market and technology offerings across a range of composite market segments." Composites have not made major advances in the primary structure of large civil aircraft, with aluminium still accounting for a major portion of the structural weight of an aircraft. In the large cabin market, the Boeing Dreamliner 787 will be the first of its kind to launch a full-size commercial aircraft with composite wings and fuselage. With the rising demand for carbon fibre led by next-generation composite aircraft, material suppliers and composite parts manufacturers need to accelerate their production by outsourcing core activities to low-cost countries such as China and India even as they leverage low currency rates in advanced countries such as the United States. To promote composite growth in large commercial jets, all primes and tier 2 & 3 market participants must initiate R&D to study their capability in various applications. Table of Contents
|
|
||||||||
MindBranch has been the leading provider of industry and investment research from more than 550 independent research firms since 1992. With over 90,000 market research reports, MindBranch is your trusted source of competitive business intelligence. |