Strategic Intelligence - Alternative Propulsion in Aerospace and Defense

"Alternative Propulsion in Aerospace and Defense" is part of the analyst's Strategic Intelligence series of reports on alternative propulsion and its impacts across different industries.

This report explores emergent trends within the alternative propulsion market, examining use cases and the implementation of emerging technologies including electric propulsion and hydrogen propulsion, and what challenges must be considered in pursuing effective strategies for brand building in this market.

Electric and hydrogen propulsion continue to evolve.

Within aerospace and defense, the most important alternative propulsion methods are electric propulsion and hydrogen propulsion. Electric propulsion is more mature in terms of technological development. Meanwhile, high costs of hydrogen and its cryostorage requirements result in hydrogen propulsion consisting of a smaller value chain.
In terms of electric propulsion, technological advances in batteries, electric motors, and lightweight composite materials in recent years have made the development of electric aircraft, in addition to the use of lithium-ion battery technology in submarines, increasingly viable. In addition to this, reduced heat signature and a smaller number of individual components when compared to combustion engines offer increased stealth capabilities and a modest logistical burden.

Whilst hydrogen propulsion is overall less developed, it has significant potential; it can be produced in a way that is carbon-free and, when used as a fuel, it only produces water, making it appealing in achieving climate change goals. It also has significant energy potential due to being more energy-dense than battery power.

Investment in key technologies ranging from fuselages to hydrogen fuel cells will need to be ramped up to facilitate the development of hydrogen aircraft. Several companies are investing in this space, but much more research will be needed to achieve the efficacy needed to enable widespread commercial aviation powered by hydrogen.

Key Highlights

• Studies of emerging technological trends and their broader impact on the aerospace and defense market.
• Analysis of the various alternative propulsion solutions, programs and projects currently under development, as well as the impact of emerging technologies including electric propulsion and hydrogen propulsion on the future outlook of the alternatie propulsion in aerospace and defense theme.

Scope

• The key alternative propulsion challenges that aerospace and defense sector suppliers face are covered.
• The investment opportunities for armed forces, commercial aviation providers, suppliers, and institutional investors, across the whole alternative propulsion in aerospace and defense value chain are covered.
• Highlights from the range different alternative propulsion related research and development programs currently being undertaken by various aerospace and defense companies.

Reasons to Buy

• Determine potential investment companies based on trend analysis and market projections.
• Gaining an understanding of the market challenges and opportunities surrounding the alternative propulsion in aerospace in defense theme.
• Understanding how spending on alternative propulsion and related segments will fit into the overall market and which spending areas are being prioritized.