Lightning Detection Sensors Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The lightning detection sensors market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.96% to reach US$375.325 million in 2028 from US$285.989 million in 2021.

Lightning detection sensors are devices designed to detect and monitor the occurrence of lightning discharges in the atmosphere, and these sensors play a crucial role in providing real-time information about lightning strikes, including their location, intensity, and duration. Lightning detection sensors improve the understanding of thunderstorm dynamics, enabling more effective planning and response strategies to mitigate the impacts of severe weather events. The different types of lightning detection sensors include ground-based, mobile systems, and space-based. They are used in meteorology, aerospace, and marine applications to monitor and track severe weather conditions and provide early warnings for thunderstorms. The increasing demand for accurate and timely weather information in meteorology applications and the critical need to ensure the safety of aircraft, ships, and offshore structures from lightning strike hazards is boosting the demand for lightning detection sensors, thus accelerating their market growth.

The growing need for weather data recording is augmenting the demand for lightning detection sensors.

Meteorology heavily relies on accurate and timely data regarding lightning activity to understand weather patterns, track severe weather conditions, and provide valuable information for forecasting and risk assessment of weather events. Meteorologists require detailed information about the location, intensity, and frequency of lightning strikes to understand storm dynamics better, and by applying the usage of lightning detection sensors to weather models, meteorologists can enhance the accuracy of forecasts, enabling better preparedness for potentially hazardous weather conditions. The increasing demand for accurate and reliable data regarding thunderstorms and lightning has positively impacted the demand for lightning detection sensors. According to the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of India, in 2020, NRSC installed 27 lightning detection sensors (LDS) across the country, having a detection range of up to 800 km with more than 98% confidence within the 300 km range. This demonstrates that lightning detection sensors have great demand.

Bolstering growth in the aerospace sector is expected to drive the lightning detection market growth.

Lightning strikes pose significant risks to aircraft, including potential damage to critical components, electrical interference, and fire hazards. Therefore, lightning detection sensors are critical in ensuring the safety of flight operations, particularly for commercial airlines and military aviation. Lightning detection sensors can detect and locate lightning strikes in real-time, allowing pilots and ground crews to take appropriate measures to avoid potential hazards. Additionally, lightning data can provide valuable information for aircraft maintenance and design, enabling engineers to optimize components and systems to withstand lightning strikes. The growing aerospace industry and the surge in safety concerns will accelerate the demand for lightning detection sensors. According to the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), in 2021, the European aerospace industry showed positive growth, with a total contribution of €240 billion to the European GDP. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2023, India is anticipated to overtake China and the United States as the third-largest air passenger market in the world. According to the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), in 2019, the aerospace and defense industry of the USA exhibited significant yearly growth, with overall industry sales revenue totaling $909 billion, an increase of 6.7% from 2018.

The North American region is expected to hold a significant market share throughout the forecast period.

The North American region will account for a major market share due to the demand for accurate and timely lightning data to aid in weather monitoring and the rise in the number of aircraft manufacturers. In 2022, in collaboration with the Weather Enterprise, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration established the Earth Prediction Innovation Centre (EPIC) to speed up cutting-edge weather forecast system upgrades to save lives, safeguard property, and boost the economy. In 2019, the Canadian government launched RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) to provide valuable data for monitoring sea ice, thunderstorm, ocean winds, and other environmental parameters contributing to weather forecasting in marine environments. Such developments will boost the demand for lightning detection sensors as they are implemented in meteorological and aerospace applications, thereby boosting regional market growth.

Products:

• LSZ-860 Lightning Sensor System: Honeywell’s “LSZ-860 Lightning Sensor System” detects both visible and high energy invisible electromagnetic and electrostatic discharges (lightning) that may indicate areas of turbulent activity, allowing the pilot to plan a course to avoid hazardous weather.
• BTD-200 Lightning Warning System: This product provided by Bristol Industrial & Research Associates Ltd comprises a lightning detector placed outside. An indoor PC runs the supplied Lightning Works software (LW) to take the appropriate safety precaution.
• AS3935 Franklin Lightning Sensor™ IC: Such lightning detection sensors were designed for low-power, portable, or fixed wire-line applications, detect the electrical emissions from lightning activity, and then provide an estimation of the distance to the head of the storm from 40km away down to 1km.

Market Segmentation:

By Type

• Ground-Based
• Mobile System
• Space-Based

By Application

• Meteorology
• Aerospace
• Marine

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Australia
• Others