Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Size, Share, Industry Trend Report

^{_{Update: 9/24/2024}}

Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Size and Share

The Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Size is projected to grow from USD 3.3 billion in 2023 to USD 4.1 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028. The growing demand for commercial aircraft and related MRO services, as well as the increasing upkeep and upgrading of jet engine test cells, are the main drivers of the Aircraft Engine Test Cells Industry Share.

An aircraft engine test cell is a specialized facility designed to securely test and evaluate the performance of aircraft engines under controlled conditions. It allows engineers to simulate various flight conditions, measure engine performance parameters, and ensure that engines meet safety, reliability, and efficiency standards before they are installed in aircraft. These test cells are equipped with advanced instrumentation to collect data on engine behavior, including thrust, fuel consumption, temperature, and vibration, among other critical metrics.

Maintaining an aircraft engine test cell involves a series of systematic procedures to ensure that all equipment and systems operate accurately and safely. Routine maintenance includes the inspection and calibration of measurement instruments, maintenance of ventilation and cooling systems to manage heat and exhaust, updates and checks of control and safety systems, and the integrity checks of fuel and mechanical systems. Regular safety inspections, environmental compliance, and personnel training are also crucial aspects of test cell maintenance. This maintenance is vital for the reliability of test results, the longevity of the test cell equipment, and the safety of the operating personnel.

Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Forecast to 2028

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Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Trends

Driver: Growing investments to establish new aircraft engine test facilities to drive market growth

In recent years, air traffic has increased at a rapid pace, leading to a surge in demand for more fuel-efficient commercial aircraft, including wide-body and narrow-body types, across the world. This trend is driven by the globalization of economies, the expansion of air routes to new markets, and a growing middle class with a heightened desire for travel. Airlines are focused on modernizing their fleets with the latest aircraft models like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, both known for their advanced, fuel-efficient engines such as the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB (for the A350) and the General Electric GEnx (for the 787). This fleet modernization and expansion effort necessitates rigorous testing of aircraft engines to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency, significantly boosting the demand for Aircraft Engine Test Cell Solutions in the commercial end-use industry.

Additionally, the increase in global geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced defense capabilities have led to a heightened demand for military aircraft that are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat capabilities. Modernization and replacement of aging military fleets with next-generation aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, which uses the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, and the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the MQ-9 Reaper powered by the Honeywell TPE331-10, are imperative for maintaining a technological edge. This modernization drive, coupled with the increased focus on surveillance and reconnaissance missions to ensure national security, necessitates the rigorous testing of military aircraft engines. As a result, there is a significant increase in investment in Aircraft Engine Test Cell Solutions from the military end-use industry, highlighting the critical role of reliable and efficient engine testing facilities in supporting both defense readiness and technological advancement.

Restraint: High Capital Investment

The aircraft engine test cells market is significantly influenced by high capital investments, as evidenced by the substantial financial commitments and resources deployed by leading industry players such as GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce of the US. GE Aerospace’s initiative to open one of the largest engine test cells in the world in Brazil illustrates the scale of investment and resources required to develop and maintain state-of-the-art testing facilities. With a USD 50.0 million investment, the construction of the 62-acre site involved more than 150 suppliers and a workforce of 700 people. This project not only demonstrates the high financial outlay but also the extensive supply chain and labor force engagement necessary to bring such a facility to operate.  

Opportunity: Advancements in Engine Technology

The advancement in engine technology, particularly in the development of small core aircraft engines, represents a significant opportunity for the aircraft engine test cells market. This is exemplified by the collaborative efforts between NASA (US), GE Aviation (US), and Pratt & Whitney (US) through the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in October 2021. The initiative underlines a strategic move towards creating more sustainable, efficient, and cleaner commercial aviation technologies, with a clear focus on combatting climate change, reducing operational costs, and promoting American leadership in aviation.

NASA's HyTEC project, supported by a combined investment of USD 18.8 million in cost-share contracts with GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, aims to address several technical challenges associated with reducing engine core size. These challenges include the development of advanced high-pressure compressors and turbines, enhanced combustor materials, and high-temperature turbine materials. By focusing on these areas, the project seeks to achieve a 5% to 10% reduction in fuel burn and a parallel reduction in emissions, while also enabling smaller engine cores to produce significantly more power. This increased power extraction is crucial for the future of hybrid- and turbo-electric aircraft, which will require substantial amounts of energy.

Challenge: Skilled Workforce Shortage

According to a new report from AAR Corp., a company that provides aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, warns that the aircraft mechanic shortage has reached a critical point in their 2023 Mid Skills (“Mid skills” describes careers that require industry certifications but not a college degree, including aviation mechanics) Gap report. Labor shortage is plaguing the aviation industry and there are reasons other than the pandemic layoff. This industry is grappling with a situation where the younger generation appears less inclined to join the manufacturing ranks. Simultaneously, the older generation is approaching retirement. As a result, a huge labor gap is not easily filled.

Ecosystem Map For The Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market

Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Segments

Based on engine test, the turbofan segment is projected to lead the aircraft engine test cells market size during the forecast period.

The market for aircraft engine test cells has been divided into four segments based on engine tests: piston engine, APU, turbofan, turbojet, and turboshaft (Auxiliary Power Unit). Due to its superior altitude capability over other engine types, turbofans are expected to dominate the aircraft engine test cells market throughout the forecast period. These engines are a great option for the military and commercial end markets because they produce less noise than other engine types.

Based on end-user,the OEM segment will contribute to the highest market share in 2023.

The market for aircraft engine test cells has been divided into OEMs, MROs, and airlines and operators segments based on the end-user. Because of significant expenditures in the modernization of engine test facilities, the OEMs segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023. The aforementioned investments stimulate a rise in the need for sophisticated testing apparatus, promote technological progress, and expand the worldwide presence of industry participants.

Based on end-use industry, the commercial end-use industry will dominate the market size during the forecast period.

The market for aviation engine test cells has been divided into commercial and military segments based on the end-use industry. Due to its significantly larger fleet than military aviation, the commercial end-use industry is expected to dominate the market over the projection period. For the repair of aircraft engines, airlines and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) service providers are working together.

Based on point of sale, the retrofit & upgrades segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the aircraft engine test cells market share.

The market for aircraft engine test cells has been divided into three segments based on the point of sale: new installation, retrofit & upgrades, and maintenance & services. In the market for aircraft engine test cell solutions, the retrofit and upgrades sector is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate of growth since these projects provide a practical and affordable way to prolong the life and improve the functionality of current test cells.

Based on solution type, the test cells segment is projected to lead the aircraft engine test cells market size during the forecast period.

The market for aircraft engine test cells has been divided into test cells, component test benches, software, ancillary systems, data acquisition & control systems, and test cells based on solution type. Because test cells are still being researched, the test cells segment is expected to dominate the market for aircraft engine test cell solutions over the forecast period. In order to improve many aspects of aircraft engines and progress aviation technology, researchers are designing new test cells.

Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Regions

The Asia Pacific region is projected to Grow at highest market size during the forecast period.

The region with the greatest predicted CAGR during the projection period is Asia Pacific. Because of the growing aviation industry in the Asia-Pacific region, the market for aircraft engine test cell solutions is dynamic and growing quickly. Many factors are driving this expansion, including the increasing amount of air travel, the rise of low-cost carriers, and significant government investments in aviation infrastructure across the region. Significant investments in testing and research and development facilities for aviation engines have resulted from the goal of producing aircraft engines independently.

Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market by Region

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Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Companies: Key Market Players

The major players in the aircraft engine test cells market are:

• Safran (France)
• MDS Aero Support Corporation (US)
• Calspan Corporation (US)
• Atec, Inc. (US)
• CEL (Canada)

These players have adopted various growth strategies expand their presence in the Aircraft Engine Test Cells Companies.

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Scope of the Report

Smart Sensors Market Highlights

This research report categorizes the aircraft engine test cells market based on engine test, end user, end-use industry, point of sale, type, and region.

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced that it has incorporated a Joint Venture (JV) with France-based Safran under the name "Safran Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd". According to the company's statement, the JV will design, develop, certify, produce, sell, and support helicopter engines.
• In October 2023, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop industrial cooperation in ring forging manufacturing for commercial engines. HAL will produce LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion, powering Airbus A320 Neo family and Boeing 737 Max) engine at its foundry and forge facility in Bengaluru as part of the MoU.
• In July 2023, General Electric debuted its new livery design for the aircraft test bed for NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project. This test bed helps prove the feasibility of hybrid electric flight for commercial.
• In June 2023, Pratt & Whitney, an RTX Corporation business announced that I had launched an advanced AI-based Aircraft Engine Analysis Tool called Percept. Percept is a computer vision product that operates on top of the Awiros Video Intelligence Operating System (OS). Its cloud-based interface allows users to capture images and videos of aircraft engines on their mobile devices and receive real-time responses on engine parts availability.
• In March 2022, Rolls-Royce North America announced its plans to invest USD 400.0 million in a major modernization of engine test facilities in Indiana, bringing total company investment in the United States to nearly USD 1.50 billion in the past decade.

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