The aircraft communication system is a vital component in
modern aviation, allowing pilots and air traffic controllers to exchange
critical information for safe and efficient air travel. It is a complex system
that includes a variety of technologies and protocols, including voice and data
communication, navigation, surveillance, and weather information.
The aircraft communication system is a critical element of
the aviation infrastructure, ensuring the safety of passengers, cargo, and
aircraft. The system comprises several components, including radios,
transponders, navigation aids, and satellite communication devices. These
components work together to provide pilots with a comprehensive picture of the
airspace around them, enabling them to make informed decisions about their
flight path and altitude.
One of the key features of the aircraft communication system
is voice communication, which is used to communicate between the aircraft and
air traffic controllers on the ground. Pilots use specialized radios to
communicate with the ground, including VHF and HF radios, which allow them to
communicate over short and long distances, respectively. In addition to voice
communication, the system also includes data communication, which is used to
transmit critical information, such as flight plans, weather reports, and
navigation data.
The navigation component of the aircraft communication
system includes a range of technologies, including GPS and inertial navigation
systems. These technologies enable pilots to accurately determine their
position and navigate through the airspace, even in adverse weather conditions
or low visibility.
Another critical component of the aircraft communication
system is surveillance, which involves tracking the movement of aircraft
through the airspace. This is achieved through the use of radar, ADS-B, and
other technologies, which provide air traffic controllers with real-time
information on the location and trajectory of aircraft.
The aircraft communication system also includes weather
information, which is critical for safe and efficient flight planning. Pilots
use weather radar, satellite imagery, and other tools to monitor weather
conditions, allowing them to avoid adverse weather and adjust their flight path
as needed.
Dynamics of Aircraft Communication System Market
Drivers in Aircraft
Communication System Market
The adoption of software-defined radio (SDR) technology is
on the rise for satellite communication, driving the growth of this market.
Aircraft manufacturers face technical challenges in achieving payload
flexibility and minimizing the complexity and cost associated with system
integration. To address these challenges, satellite systems must be developed
that are interconnected with the global communications infrastructure and can
function in emergency situations. Satellite communication involves a wide range
of network technologies that facilitate high-speed voice and data communication
between passengers and flight crew.
SDR technologies provide flexibility in the operation of
satellite communication devices and cater to the need for reconfigurable,
flexible payloads as part of onboard communication satellite systems in
aircraft. These devices have enhanced capabilities and innovative features, and
they form an important component of the aircraft communications architecture.
In 2022, Lockheed Martin received the 1000th AN/ARC-238
Software-defined Radio (SDR) from Rohde & Schwarz for installation on F-16
aircraft. The R&S MR6000R/L radios from the SOVERON radio family include
two airborne radios that constitute the AN/ARC-238, which is fully qualified
for use on the F-16 and satisfies the standards for secure communication.
Additionally, in 2021, the E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
fleet of NATO aircraft was to be equipped with Leonardo's new software-defined
radio, the SWave Airborne SDR SRT-800, as part of the Final Lifetime Extension
Programme (FLEP) to ensure its operational viability during the forecast
period.
Restraints in
Aircraft Communication System Market
The limited availability of the radio spectrum poses a
significant challenge for the aircraft communication system market.
Radio-frequency interference (RFI) caused by competing users can lead to poor
performance of active science sensors. Unlike passive science systems, active
science systems share a band with other services, which can result in signals
from other radio services interfering with active science systems. To minimize
this interference, several mitigation strategies may be employed. The aviation
industry must act now to improve its use of the limited spectrum to prevent
future expenses. However, obtaining licenses to launch and deploy a satellite
in high band frequencies is a time-consuming and costly process that involves
documentation and payment for band allotment. This limited radio spectrum
availability acts as a restraint to the growth of the aircraft communication
system market. To address this issue, new technologies in wireless
communication, such as the Airborne Wireless Network (AWN), are being developed
to provide safe and efficient aviation operations. AWN is creating a high-speed
broadband airborne wireless network by connecting to multiple aircraft
information, acting as an airborne router, and sending and receiving broadband
signals from one aircraft to another. The introduction of such technologies
will drive market growth in the future. Additionally, other strategies such as
enhanced adjacent band filtering, improved aviation equipment maintenance
standards, and balanced coordinated deployments of new CNS radio systems can
help mitigate the challenges posed by limited radio spectrum availability.
Opportunities in
Aircraft Communication System Market
The aviation industry is witnessing a surge in demand for
next-generation IP systems owing to their ability to enable air-to-ground data
communication. AeroMACS communications, a type of next-generation IP system, is
being increasingly used to ensure safe and secure flight operations. The shift
in communication service providers' preference from high-power single line of
contact to a low-power mesh system is further driving the growth of the market.
The low-power mesh system is less susceptible to single points of failure and can
enable communication packets to determine the best route to the destination
based on traffic levels and available system bandwidth.
The increasing number of aircraft deliveries is also playing
a pivotal role in the growth of the market. Multiple aircraft antennas are
being used in commercial aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 767 for
in-flight broadband communication. The AV-530 aircraft antenna is a popular
choice for this purpose due to its ability to operate at altitudes of up to
55,000 ft. The growing demand for aircraft antennas for usage in the
next-generation fighter aircraft program is expected to further propel the
military aircraft communication system market during the forecast period.
Software-defined radio (SDR) is a radio communication
hardware system that is increasingly being used in the aviation sector to
decode the receiving radio signal and provide accurate information about the
aircraft operations to the pilot. SDR is also enhancing the efficiency of radio
communication systems in the aviation sector. The increasing demand for
software-defined radio in the aviation sector is expected to boost market growth
during the forecast period.
In conclusion, the demand for next-generation IP systems,
aircraft antennas, and software-defined radio is on the rise in the aviation
industry, and this trend is expected to continue during the forecast period.
The market is being propelled by factors such as the increasing demand for
aircraft, the need for safe and secure flight operations, and the growing
importance of efficient radio communication systems.
Challenges in
Aircraft Communication System Market
One of the most complex challenges in the aviation industry
is ensuring a safe increase in air traffic demand. Predictions suggest that air
traffic operations will nearly triple their current value in the next 20 years.
Developing, validating, and implementing new strategic ideas to address future
demands is essential to manage such a significant increase in air traffic. Air
traffic management (ATM) systems play a vital role in guiding, controlling, and
coordinating aircraft movement. ATM systems are used by air traffic controllers
to monitor air traffic regularly. However, a lack of proper ATM systems can
result in aircraft communication issues, leading to aircraft collision or
crashing.
A risk assessment identifies the lack of a widely accepted
methodology and safety criteria in the aviation industry as the cause of risk
in ATM. Navigation, intervention capability, and exposure to risk are the three
primary categories of ATM factors. However, the regulatory framework that sets
acceptable levels for many stakeholders, including airports, airlines,
manufacturers, pilots, and air traffic controllers, cannot be separated from
these aspects. During peak periods, such as daily peak hours, weekly peak days,
and seasonal peaks, ATM systems struggle to manage air traffic. Airport
authorities face various challenges, including allocating runways for landing
and takeoff, reducing the time gap between two aircraft movements, gate
allocation, taxiway allocation, aircraft turnaround time, and emergency
landings. Addressing these issues to maintain safe and efficient air traffic
management during peak hours is a major challenge.
The failure of ATM systems can also be due to the aging of
systems and a lack of regular maintenance. For instance, Mumbai's air traffic
control automation system, which safely and efficiently handles a large number
of flights landing, taking off, and overflying, recently presented more than 50
subsystem problems due to the aging of the systems. The current hardware
automation system was over 15 years old, while its lifespan is ten years.
Ecosystem of Aircraft Communication System Market
The aircraft communication system market is categorized
based on connectivity, which includes satellite communication (SATCOM), high
frequency (HF), very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and data
link communication. Among these, the SATCOM segment is predicted to witness the
highest growth during the forecast period. The increasing demand for satellite
voice communication and data communication services in aircraft is driving this
growth. The software-defined radio aids in the design of satellite
communication systems, providing assistance in changing frequencies, modulation
schemes, and data rates.
The UHF segment is expected to witness significant growth
during the forecast period, owing to the various applications of UHF antenna in
commercial aircraft, business jets, regional jets, and others. UHF and HF waves
are suitable for line-of-sight applications that require high-end accuracy and
are mainly used in the aircraft communication system for in-flight television
broadcasting.
The data-link communication system is employed in the
aircraft to establish communication between the pilot, crew member, and
ground-based communication controller for the air traffic control (ATC)
service. This system enhances the efficiency and predictability of the aircraft
communication system by providing automated assistance to flight crew members
through a controller.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the fastest
growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing utilization of unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAV) and 3D printed aircraft antennas in China. Additionally,
supportive aviation policies from the governments of several nations in the
region and increasing private investments are expected to propel market growth.
The Europe market is expected to grow due to investments in the field of
military UAVs for battlefield operations and the use of GPS antennas in
helicopters for search and rescue operations. The rest of the world market is
also predicted to witness significant growth due to the increasing use of
helicopters in the Middle East & Africa for oil and gas exploration and the
use of UAVs for commercial applications in South America.
The aviation communication system market is classified into
various systems including the audio integrating system, communication radios,
radio tuning systems, cockpit voice recorder, and static dischargers. Among
these, the communication radio segment is expected to witness significant
growth during the forecast period due to its increasing use in commercial
aircraft, military aircraft, business jets, and others. The communication radio
and radio tuning systems comprise of VHF and HF transceivers, which are
employed for long-range voice communication. The audio integrating system
segment is also projected to register substantial growth as it integrates audio
from cockpit audio services. This includes interphone communication between
crew members and pilots, and consists of various components such as an audio
electronic control unit, audio control panel, handheld microphones, and flight
compartment speakers.
The cockpit voice recorder, also known as CVR, is designed
to continuously record radio communications and flight crew conversations. The
CVR is installed in the aircraft equipment compartment and contains one battery
unit, an acoustic beacon, and a water-activated switch. It can store up to 2
hours of analog data.
Static dischargers, on the other hand, are mounted on the
trailing edges of the aircraft and are used to dissipate static electricity.
This electricity is created on the trailing edges of wings and tail surfaces
during take-off, landing or when the aircraft is flying through rain. The
static dischargers use static wicks to reduce electricity and provide a
conductive path for static electricity to return to the atmosphere. This helps
to ensure safe and secure flight operations.
The aviation communication market is classified by component
into various categories including the antenna, transponder, receiver,
transmitter, transceiver, display & processor, and others. The antenna
segment dominates the market owing to its widespread use in the aviation
industry, and its critical role in establishing in-flight communication. For
example, the AV-17 RAMI antenna provides radiation patterns for air-to-ground
communication while the AV-529 RAMI antenna enables in-flight broadband
communication.
A transponder is a wireless communication system utilized in
air navigation to emit a coded signal in response to an interrogating received
signal. Collins Aerospace, a United Technologies company, has recently
introduced its HF-9000 high-frequency communication transceiver for fixed-wing
aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft. This device maximizes the radiated
high-frequency signal power of the aircraft antenna, which leads to improved long-range
voice communications.
Based on platform, the market is divided into fixed-wing and
rotary-wing segments. The fixed-wing segment includes commercial aircraft,
business aircraft, military aircraft, general aviation aircraft, and fixed-wing
UAVs, and is predicted to experience the fastest growth during the forecast
period. This growth is expected due to the increasing commercial aircraft
deliveries worldwide. Commercial aircraft like Boeing 787, Airbus A320, and
Airbus 380, use several aircraft antennas, as well as communication radio, to
maintain communication in flight.
The rotary-wing segment is divided into military
helicopters, commercial helicopters, and rotary UAVs. This segment is expected
to experience significant growth in the forecast period, primarily due to the
increased use of GPS, HF & VHF antennas, and communication radios in
commercial and military helicopters. Military helicopters and rotary UAVs use
GPS antennas for surveillance & reconnaissance purposes.
The market can be categorized based on distribution channels
into original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket. During the
forecast period, the OEM segment is expected to have the highest compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) due to the increasing number of military and
commercial UAV deliveries worldwide in recent decades. The growth of the OEM
segment is attributable to advancements in communication radio and aircraft
antenna technology in the commercial and military aviation sectors. Furthermore,
an increase in commercial aircraft deliveries and a high demand for advanced
communication systems for military aircraft are contributing to the growth of
the OEM segment.
On the other hand, the aftermarket segment is expected to
have the largest market share during the forecast period. This growth is
attributed to several airlines across the globe upgrading to the next
generation aircraft antennas, such as 5G antennas, in the commercial aviation
sector.
Dominating Companies in Aircraft Communication System Market
- L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES
- THALES GROUP
- COLLINS AEROSPACE
- HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
- ELBIT SYSTEMS
- NORTHROP GRUMMAN
- RAYTHEON INTELLIGENCE AND SPACE
- ROHDE & SCHWARZ
- BAE SYSTEMS
- GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.
- COBHAM AEROSPACE COMMUNICATIONS
- GARMIN LTD.
- ORBIT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS LTD
- UNIVERSAL AVIONICS
- SITA
- UAVIONIX
- JUPITER AVIONICS CORPORATION
- TRIG AVIONICS LIMITED
- MICROAIR AVIONICS PTY LTD
- AVIDYNE CORPORATION
- BECKER AVIONICS
- COMMTACT LTD.
- FUNKE AVIONICS
- TQ GROUP
- Iridium Communications Inc.
- Viasat, Inc.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
Recent Developments in Aircraft Communication System Market
- In 2021, Honeywell announced that it had partnered with
Inmarsat, a British satellite telecommunications company, to deliver a new
class of aviation communication services that will enhance the safety and
efficiency of air travel. This partnership will provide global, real-time
inflight connectivity and advanced flight data analytics to reduce flight
delays and enhance overall passenger experience.
- In 2020, Collins Aerospace, a unit of Raytheon Technologies,
acquired FlightAware, a leading flight tracking data company. This acquisition
will enable Collins Aerospace to offer enhanced flight tracking capabilities
and data analytics solutions to its customers.
- In 2019, Thales Group acquired Gemalto, a global digital
security company, to create a new leader in digital identity and security
solutions. Thales and Gemalto have strong capabilities in the aviation
communication system market, and this acquisition will enable Thales to offer
more comprehensive and integrated solutions to its customers.
- In 2018, Cobham plc acquired the antenna business of Axell
Wireless, a provider of wireless communication solutions for public safety and
transportation markets. This acquisition will enable Cobham to expand its
portfolio of communication solutions for the aviation market.
- In 2018, Honeywell announced a partnership with KLM Royal
Dutch Airlines to deploy its GoDirect Cabin Connectivity technology on KLM's
fleet of Boeing 737NG and Embraer E190 aircraft. This partnership will provide
passengers with high-speed inflight Wi-Fi and other connectivity services.
- In December 2020, Comtech Telecommunications Corp. acquired
the assets of NG-911, a provider of Next Generation 911 (NG911) solutions. With
this acquisition, Comtech is expected to strengthen its position as a leading
provider of mission-critical communication systems, including those used in
aircraft.
- In September 2020, L3Harris Technologies announced that it
had completed the acquisition of Flight Data Systems (FDS), a provider of
flight data recorders, ground support equipment, and related services. The
acquisition is expected to help L3Harris expand its offerings in the aircraft
communication systems market.
- In June 2019, Honeywell announced that it had partnered with
Curtiss-Wright Corporation to develop a new cockpit voice and flight data
recorder (CVFDR) that integrates both functions into a single unit. The
collaboration between the two companies is expected to lead to more efficient
and cost-effective aircraft communication systems.
- In April 2019, Collins Aerospace announced that it had
acquired FlightAware, a provider of real-time flight tracking and data
services. The acquisition is expected to enhance Collins Aerospace's offerings
in the aircraft communication systems market, particularly in the areas of
flight tracking and situational awareness.
- In October 2018, Garmin International announced that it had
acquired Flight Plan LLC, a provider of wireless in-flight entertainment and
connectivity solutions. The acquisition is expected to help Garmin expand its
offerings in the aircraft communication systems market and provide better
connectivity solutions to its customers.
In conclusion, the aircraft communication system is a vital
component of modern aviation, enabling pilots and air traffic controllers to
communicate and exchange critical information for safe and efficient air
travel. It is a complex system that includes a variety of technologies and
protocols, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers,
cargo, and aircraft. As the aviation industry continues to evolve and new
technologies emerge, the aircraft communication system will undoubtedly
continue to evolve and improve, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of
air travel.