Unmanned Composites Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (AFRP), Boron Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP)), By Application (Interior, Exterior), By Platform Outlook (UAV, UGV, USV, AUV, ROV, Autonomous Ship, Passenger Drone) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The global unmanned composites market size was valued at USD 1.50 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 5.49 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 15.51% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The requirement for weight reduction in unmanned systems and composite materials' greater dependability and durability and increased performance of unmanned systems utilizing composite materials are driving market expansion.

Unmanned composites use composite materials in the building and design of unmanned systems, primarily focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. Composite materials are preferred for their unique features and advantages in creating these unmanned systems.

The unmanned composites market share is anticipated to rise at 16.6% CAGR due to the requirement for weight reduction in unmanned systems and composite materials' greater dependability and durability. Increased investment in composite materials by unmanned system makers and increased performance of unmanned systems utilizing composite materials are the primary market drivers driving market expansion.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Lightweight and High-Strength

In particular, carbon and glass fiber composites provide an extraordinary mix of lightweight characteristics and high strength. This feature is a crucial driving force in the worldwide unmanned composites market. Carbon fiber composites are widely used in commercial drone models such as the DJI Matrice series by companies such as DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer. Due to the lightweight nature of carbon fiber composites, DJI drones are easily transportable and capable of long flying hours, making them extremely popular among professionals in fields such as aerial photography, agriculture, and surveying.

Furthermore, military drones, such as the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, use composite materials in their airframes to minimize weight while retaining structural integrity. Composite materials' lightweight and high-strength qualities are a key predictor of the global unmanned composites market trend, influencing drone design, performance, and market growth.

Market Restraints

High Material Cost

One of the market's primary challenges is the relatively high cost of composite materials, particularly advanced composites such as carbon fiber. This high material cost can be a substantial barrier to entry for manufacturers, particularly small and fledgling businesses. Carbon fiber components are frequently used in building high-end drones for professional photography and cinematography. These drones are distinguished by their lightweight and long-lasting frames.

The use of sophisticated composites in military UAVs adds to their exorbitant cost. Governments and defense organizations spend much money on these UAVs because of their capabilities. Drones made of composite materials, especially advanced ones, are frequently expensive. This may restrict their use in price-sensitive sectors and industries.

Market Opportunities

Expanding Applications

The rising spectrum of uses for unmanned systems, especially drones, is driving the rise of unmanned systems. As industries grasp the advantages of unmanned systems, there is an increasing need for customized drones. Drones are used in environmental applications such as wildlife protection, forest monitoring, and disaster relief. They can survey remote locations and provide crucial data for research and conservation activities. Drone-based environmental monitoring is becoming increasingly significant. Drones, for example, have shown promising outcomes in wildlife conservation and anti-poaching activities. Companies such as Amazon and UPS are investigating drone delivery services to increase the efficiency and speed of package deliveries.

Drones can explore rural areas as well as congested metropolitan areas. Manufacturers can use composite materials' lightweight and high-strength qualities to create specialty drones designed for specific industries such as agricultural, defense, or environmental monitoring. According to unmanned composites market insights, Demand for specialized drones drives market innovation, resulting in improved materials, manufacturing techniques, and drone designs adapted to industry-specific requirements.

Regional Analysis

The global unmanned composites market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America is the most significant global market shareholder during the forecast period. North America is currently the largest market for unmanned composites, with the United States driving regional market growth. The presence of significant companies in the region, such as General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, is driving market growth. Textron Systems, a leading producer of unmanned systems, revealed plans in 2019 to purchase over 900 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The acquisition was made as part of the army's endeavor to upgrade its fleet and expand its unmanned capabilities. Composite materials for unmanned systems are widely used in North America's defense and aerospace industries. Drones, military UAVs, and autonomous planes are all examples of this. For example, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) spends substantially on composite materials for unmanned aerial vehicles used in surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations.

Furthermore, the consumer drone market in North America is thriving. Popular consumer drones using composite components are manufactured by companies such as DJI and Parrot. Furthermore, in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a critical role in regulating the usage of drones and the materials used in their production. Stringent restrictions need adherence to safety standards, including appropriate composite materials. Composite materials play an important role in improving the performance and capabilities of unmanned systems, making North America an important location in this fast-growing market.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a staggering CAGR  over the forecast period. The increasing presence of European firms in urban air mobility solutions and autonomous ships will likely promote the expansion of the regional unmanned composites sector, with Europe accounting for the second-largest market share. Furthermore, the German unmanned composites sector dominated the market, while the UK unmanned composites market was the fastest expanding in the European region. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) develops regulations to ensure the safe operation of autonomous systems while adhering to safety and material requirements. Guidelines for using composite materials in the construction of unmanned aircraft are included in these regulations.

In addition, leading aerospace and defense corporations such as Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo are headquartered in Europe. These companies heavily invest in unmanned systems, such as UAVs, which use composite materials to reduce weight and improve performance. European nations work together on multinational unmanned system initiatives. For example, the European Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (EuroMALE RPAS) project aspires to create a composite-built UAV for military and surveillance.

The Asia-Pacific unmanned Composites Market is predicted to develop at the quickest CAGR. This is because countries like China and India are increasing their military spending. Furthermore, China's unmanned composites industry had the greatest market share, while India's was the Asia-Pacific region's fastest-expanding market. As an example, Introduced 50,000 sq. ft. in December 2020. The Adani Elbit Unmanned Aerial Vehicles production facility in Hyderabad, India, has received approximately USD 15.0 million in investment. The Australian Defense Force announced plans in 2021 to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to improve its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. As a result, increased government backing for UAVs is propelling market expansion.

The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America unmanned composites market growth is characterized by expansion in unmanned system defense, civilian, and consumer applications. In these areas, composite materials are critical for improving the capabilities, efficiency, and durability of drones and other unmanned platforms. Ongoing industry research and investment are likely to promote additional market expansion.

Segmental Analysis

The global unmanned composites market is segmented based on type, application, platform, and region.

Type is further segmented into Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (AFRP), Boron Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP).

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) contributes the largest market share. CFRP is a composite material of carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix, most commonly epoxy resin. It is well-known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and corrosion resistance. CFRP is highly lightweight and has a high tensile strength, making it excellent for applications such as drones and aircraft components where weight reduction is crucial. GFRP is a composite material of glass fibers and a polymer matrix, often epoxy. It is prized for its medium strength and low cost. GFRP is a low-cost material with good durability and corrosion resistance. It is employed in various applications where extreme rigidity is not required.

Based on application, the market is sub-segmented into Interior exterior.

Interior application influenced the market growth. The application of composite materials within the internal components and structures of unmanned systems, notably drones, is referred to as the interior sub-segment of the market. Internal structural components of drones, such as frames, chassis, and support structures, are made of composite materials. These materials are strong while being lightweight. Using composite materials on the outer surfaces and external structures of unmanned systems, particularly drones, is generally called exterior. Drones often have composite-built hulls or bodies. Composite materials contribute to lightweight yet durable exteriors, critical for aerodynamic performance and interior component protection.

By platform, the segment can be further bifurcated into Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), Autonomous Ship, Passenger Drone.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) is the significant shareholder in the market. UAVs, often known as drones, are autonomous or remotely controlled aircraft that do not have a human pilot on board. They are employed for various purposes, such as surveillance, aerial photography, agricultural, and delivery services. UGVs are self-driving or remotely controlled vehicles developed for land-based applications. Wheels or tracks for surveillance, search and rescue, and military applications primarily propel them.

Recent Developments

• June 2023- Hexcel introduced two new aerospace products, HexPly® M51 and Hexcel HiFlow® HF610F-2 resin, both of which have faster cure cycles and allow for higher production build speeds.
• August 2023- Toray is committed to achieving sustainable growth as one of the fundamental strategies of its medium-term management program, "Project AP-G 2025," The aerospace applications of its carbon fiber composite materials business are positioned as products that accelerate climate change countermeasures by this strategy.
• August 2023- Stratasys launched its entry-level J3TM DentaJet 3D printer earlier this year, complementing its more advanced J5TM DentaJet model.