Aerospace Industry to Consume $57 Billion Worth of Composite Materials Between 2007-2026

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On an annual basis, the aerospace industry consumes an estimated 700 million lbs. of raw materials including aluminum, composites, glare, steel, titanium and other materials, according to a new study.

Aug 9, 2007 08:00


DALLAS, -- Yearly, the aerospace industry consumes an estimated 700 million pounds of raw materials including aluminum, composites, glare, steel, titanium and other materials, according to a new study, and increasingly, the focus is shifting to composites.


This study also reveals that while composite materials currently represent a relatively small segment of the aerospace industry, enormous potential exists for composite materials to become a more integral component within the industry in the future. Although aluminum is currently the predominant material used in the aerospace industry, aerospace companies are showing increased interest in composite materials because of a desire for more fuel-efficient and corrosive-resistant aircraft,


Historically, the use of composites over the last 30 years has evolved from less than 5% in the Boeing 737 and 747 to over 17% in the Airbus A320. The Airbus A320 which was launched in 1990, uses approximately 17% composite materials and 66% aluminum. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2008, will use about 50% composites by structural weight, and will be 20% more fuel efficient than similar-sized planes, due, in part, to advancements in composite materials technology. The Airbus A380 is expected to use 23% composites per aircraft.


Base on this comprehensive Lucintel research study, composite materials in the aerospace market to see strong growth during forecast period. "The defense industry as well as the Boeing 787 and the Airbus 380 will drive the growth for composite materials over the forecast period," said Dr. Sanjay Mazumdar, Lucintel' CEO. "Remarkably, the global aerospace industry is estimated to use $57 billion worth of composite materials during 2007 - 2026."


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Web site: http://www.e-composites.com/