Global Unmanned Helicopter Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Unmanned Helicopter Market Outlook

The global unmanned helicopter market would likely grow at a CAGR of 15.1% during 2024-2032. Asia, Pacific, North America and Europe are likely to be key markets. 

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Global Market Likely to be Driven by Applications in Multiple Domains

Helicopter drones refer to unmanned aircraft that run on the same principles of flight that govern manned helicopters, employing spinning rotors to produce thrust and lift. Single main rotor with a tail rotor providing counter-torque is the most commonly employed rotor configuration. However, tandem rotor and tiltrotor helicopter UAVs are also available; these feature rotors set up on rotating engine pods capable of changing angle to offer forward flight or vertical lift. Single rotor drones might be devised from the ground up, or modified from prevailing manned platforms [these may have an option to change between unmanned or piloted flight, such a case may be called Optionally Piloted Vehicles (OPVs)]. 

Generally, gasoline or diesel engines are used to power a majority of rotary wing UAVs (owing to rotary wing UAV size); as compared to conventional fuels, batteries exhibit lower energy density, further, as batteries weigh more, the number of batteries needed for longer flight times would result in prohibitive weight. However, micro-sized and nano helicopter UAVs intended to be carried by one operator and generally employed for short-duration military and battlefield reconnaissance missions, are available and powered by battery. 

Applications of Unmanned Helicopter Expected to Boost Market Growth

Helicopter drones are capable of carrying a variety of payloads, such as environmental sensors, missiles and offensive capabilities, daytime and IR cameras, LiDAR scanning systems and radio relay equipment. Applications include ISR, military and defence, search and rescue, battlefield fire support, mapping and surveying, security and law enforcement, industrial inspection, precision agriculture, and others. Such applications are expected to drive the global unmanned helicopter market. UAS helicopters have VTOL capability, thus are capable of operating in a broader variety of ground conditions as compared to fixed-wing aircraft (which need a specific amount of space to land and take off). VTOL rotary wing UAVs are therefore preferred for maritime operations, surveillance and inspection. 

Electric UAVs are Environmentally-friendly

Electric UAVs have a low logistical and environmental footprint, and are particularly suited to challenging maritime applications, including search and rescue, anti-piracy, and offshore cargo delivery. The development of such UAVs is expected to boost the global unmanned helicopter market.

Leading Companies are Engaged in Developing Sophisticated Solutions

In 2022, it was reported that Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. had developed industrial-use unmanned helicopter (FAZER R G2) with improved delivery performance and functions; the solutions achieved greater effective load capacity of up to 50kg, offering further solutions for logistical issues. 

In 2022, AeroVironment, Inc. launched the next-generation VAPOR® Helicopter unmanned aircraft system (UAS), VAPOR 55 MX. The solution delivers new levels of operational performance, offers a redesigned modular autonomy framework, and enables enhanced endurance and greater payload capacity to fulfil present and emerging needs of commercial, defence, and industrial customers. Such solutions are expected to boost the global unmanned helicopter market. 

In 2021, IIT Kanpur developed unmanned drone-helicopter in association with EndureAir. The solution operated on petrol and could carry a load of up to 5kg; it could be used for long-endurance surveillance and vaccine distribution.

In 2022, it was reported that the Indian Army displayed 'Vibhram' -- Indian startup EndureAir's High-Efficiency Dissimilar Coaxial Helicopter. The solution was designed in association with IIT Kanpur. 

Market Segmentation

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By product type, the market is segmented into:

• Medium (21–55 Lbs)

• Small (0–20 Lbs)

By application, the market is divided into:

• Military

• Government Agencies

• Industrial

• Others

By region, the market is classified into:

• Asia Pacific

• Europe

• Middle East and Africa

• Latin America

• North America

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Key Industry Players in the Market

The report offers an extensive assessment of major players in the global unmanned helicopter market; it evaluates their capability, observes latest occurrences such as mergers and acquisitions, capacity expansions, and plant turnarounds:

• Laflamme Aero Inc.

• Velos Rotors Inc

• Schiebel Corporation

• CybAero AB

• Alpha Unmanned Systems SL

• UAVOS Inc.

• SwissDrones Operating AG

• Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

• Steadicopter Ltd.

• Flint Hills Solutions LLC

• Others

Using SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces model, the EMR report offers deep insights into the industry.

Key Highlights of the Report