The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that commercial aircrafts are struck by lightning once per year on average. While aircrafts are less likely to be struck by lightning, aircraft makers are exploring ways to incorporate efficient and reliable lightning protection materials into manufacturing of modern planes.

Aircraft lightning protection materials offer electrical resistance to aircraft structures during lightning strikes and allows the current to flow through the skin from the point of contact to some other point. Aircraft manufacturers constantly test airplanes for lightning strike protection to ensure the safety of passengers and protection of sensitive equipment.

Global Market Insights, Inc., estimates that global aircraft lightning protection market size will hit US$3.8 billion by 2026. Described below are some of the factors propelling the adoption of these crucial materials in airplane production.

Growing number of air passengers worldwide

An increasing number of consumers are spending on tourism and air travel as it provides a faster, safer, and better mode of transportation. Number of air passengers will further rise in the coming years due to evolving living standards and increased purchasing power of consumers along with low air fares. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the number of air passengers will more than double to reach 8.2 billion by 2037.

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are ramping up to serve the ever-increasing air traffic by upgrading their fleets and manufacturing new-generation aircrafts that are more fuel-efficient. Growing efforts to boost the production of aircrafts will directly render a positive impact on aircraft lightning protection industry trends, presenting ample opportunities for global manufacturers.

Increased use of composites in new aircrafts

The use of composite materials such as Kevlar, carbon fibers and glass fibers has truly been a crucial innovation in the aerospace industry. These materials are lighter and stronger compared to aluminum, which has been largely used in aircraft bodies for years. Composite materials help significantly reduce overall weight of the aircraft which makes them best-suited for structural applications as well as use in other aircraft and spacecraft components.

As fuel costs continue to rise, commercial aircraft manufacturers are constantly under pressure to boost the performance and efficiency of aircrafts, for which weight reduction is a critical factor. However, the incorporation of composites offers limited resistance to current flow which may make aircraft structure more susceptible to damage by lightning. To counter this, airplane lightning strike protection materials are used on external surfaces to enhance the overall conductivity of the aircraft and minimize the risk of damage due to lightning.

Constant innovations and R&D investments

Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have managed to use a new 3D printing technique to reduce the risk and effect of lightning strikes on airplanes. Conventional lightning protection methods include the use of expanded metal foils on composite aircraft structures. The technique is quite effective but it increases weight and corrosion. Moreover, expanded metal films are expensive to add, repair and maintain.

The team recently developed a new adhesive material which has proven effective against lightning strikes. The material is applied on carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in thin layers ranging from 0.25-0.4 millimeters in thickness. A series of simultaneous lightning strike tests on protected equipment not only revealed minimal damage but also offered uniform heat dissipation. This suggests that the technology could ultimately lead to a more advanced and effective lightning protection technology in the future.

Similar efforts and R&D spending from airlines on lightning protection technologies to ensure the safety of passengers as well as aircraft components will drive future industry trends. Growing aircraft production on account of rising air travel will complement aircraft lightning protection market outlook in the coming years.

Source: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/aircraft-lightning-protection-market