Introduction

An aircraft micro turbine engine is a small-sized combustion turbine that utilizes micro combustion using heat & electricity simultaneously (cogeneration). Micro turbine engines are preferred due to favorable features such as the utilization of various fuels, small size, and improved efficiency levels. As micro aircraft engines are compact, they utilize minimal space, and enables the availability of additional space for other components.

The cogeneration option offered by these types of engines combines the usage of electricity and heat from an engine facilitating up to 85% in efficiency, with respect to point-of-power utilization, depending on heat process requirements. In addition, its low-cost energy dependency makes it a cheaper option for long-term use. Aircraft micro turbine engines are more efficient than reciprocating engines as they save space and facilitate lubricant oil & coolant-free operation.

The latest developments in the micro turbine industry have paved the way for drone propulsion in both the military and aviation sectors. Currently, the demand for micro turbine engines has continued to increase over the last few years. This is due to lower durability levels of fully electric propulsion systems; micro turbine engines are mainly used for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Moreover, micro turbine engines offer different advantages, such as small moving parts, compact size, lightweight, low emissions, and greater efficiency levels. The global aircraft micro turbine engine market is experiencing considerable revenue growth, and is expected to significantly expand over the next few years.

Detailed Segmentation

The Global Aircraft Micro Turbine Engines Market is Segmented on the Basis of Engine Type, Platform, Fuel Type, and Regions/Countries.

Based on Engine Type

• Turbojet MTE
• Turboshaft MTE

Based on Platform

• UAV
• VTOL
• Air Taxi
• Other Platforms

Based on Fuel Type

• Bio Fuel
• Diesel
• Kerosene
• Synthetic Fuel
• Jet A
• Natural Gas

Based on Region/Countries

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Market Dynamics

Air quality regulations imposed by various governments worldwide have led most manufacturers to seek appropriate innovative solutions to minimize the effect of pollutants on the environment. Several micro turbine manufacturers have developed advanced combustion technologies that reduce the formation of various types of pollution. The demand for these engines increases dramatically due to their various advantages such as compact size, lightness, higher efficiency, and low emission levels. These factors are expected to boost projected revenues for the global aircraft micro engine turbine market in the near future. These  innovative developments are responsible for the overall augmentation of the aircraft micro turbines industry. A significant surge in strategic partnership and contracts are also likely to increase the demand for micro turbines in the coming years. The increasing replacement of manned aircraft by drones in the defense sector is also expected to positively influence this market’s trajectory.

Prices associated with microturbine engines are very high, which is another major factor that may limit the global aircraft micro turbine engines market to a certain extent.

Key players:

• Bowman Power
• Honeywell International Inc.
• JetCat Americas
• PBS AEROSPACE
• Elliott Group
• Micro Turbine Technology B.V.
• UAV Turbines
• Williams International
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.
• Lambert Microturbine
• GE Aviation

Recent Developments

• The Russian state-backed Advanced Research Foundation (FPI) and Federal State Unitary Enterprise (VIAM) announced that they had flight-tested their 3D printed MGTD-20 gas turbine engine for the first time. The motor was evaluated onboard a light Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), launched over the Kazanbash aviation center in Tatarstan, around 500 miles east of Moscow.
• Post-Brexit, India and the U.K. are set to explore several options through joint collaborations of defense projects. These countries are expected to finalize a government-to-government format for future defense deals. The UK India Business Council (UKIBC), and the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers (SIDM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The UK ministry and the Director of the UK Department for International Trade’s Defense and Security Organization (DSO) signed an MoU for defense procurement purposes.

For the Aircraft Micro Turbine Engines Market research study, the following years have been considered to estimate the market size: