Global Drone Flight Controller System Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application, By End-Use, By Sales Channel (Offline, and Online), By Range of Operation (Short Range, Mid Range, and Long Range), By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2023 -

Global Drone Flight Controller System Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application, By End-Use, By Sales Channel (Offline, and Online), By Range of Operation (Short Range, Mid Range, and Long Range), By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2023 - 2030

The Global Drone Flight Controller System Market size is expected to reach $10.2 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 7.8% CAGR during the forecast period.

The growth of civil aviation often goes hand-in-hand with the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks. Regulatory support for drone operations, including clear guidelines for flight controllers, contributes to the responsible and compliant use of drones in Canada's airspace. Consequently, the North American region would generate a revenue of approximately USD 1,912.3 million by 2022. The adaptability of drone technology promotes the requirement for advanced flight controller systems specifically designed to meet the needs of numerous industries. In North America, drones are glowingly being utilized for commercial purposes. The commercial applications of drones include surveillance, mapping, delivery, and others.

The major strategies followed by the market participants are Mergers & Acquisition as the key developmental strategy to keep pace with the changing demands of end users. For instance, In February 2024, BAE Systems PLC has completed the acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics Ltd., an aviation and aerospace component manufacturer. BAE Systems’ acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics fits with their plan to invest in new, advanced technologies and improve their capabilities. Additionally, Malloy will still operate from its Berkshire site, but as a division of BAE Systems LLC.

KBV Cardinal Matrix - Drone Flight Controller System Market Competition Analysis

Based on the Analysis presented in the KBV Cardinal matrix; Collins Aerospace and Honeywell International, Inc. are the forerunners in the Market. And Companies such as BAE Systems PLC, Safran and Parker-Hannifin Corporation are some of the key innovators in Market. In February 2024, BAE Systems PLC completed the acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics Ltd., an aviation and aerospace component manufacturer. BAE Systems’ acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics fits with their plan to invest in new, advanced technologies and improve their capabilities. Additionally, Malloy will still operate from its Berkshire site, but as a division of BAE Systems LLC.

Market Growth Factors

Advancements in flight control algorithms enhance the stability and maneuverability of drones. Flight controllers are designed to interpret sensor data more effectively, resulting in smoother flights and precise control, even in challenging conditions. Technological advancements enable drones to operate autonomously by incorporating advanced navigation features. Flight controllers are equipped with GPS, obstacle avoidance sensors, and sophisticated algorithms that allow drones to navigate and execute missions autonomously, including waypoint navigation and automated inspections. This reduces latency and improves data processing efficiency for tasks like image recognition, which is beneficial in applications like search and rescue or surveillance.

Drones with sophisticated flight controllers can be rapidly deployed in emergencies, providing quick aerial assessments of disaster-stricken areas. The ability to respond rapidly is critical for effective disaster management and response. Advanced flight controllers allow drones to operate with high precision, providing operators with real-time situational awareness. This is crucial for understanding the dynamic conditions in disaster-stricken areas and making informed decisions on resource allocation and rescue efforts. This capability is crucial for supporting affected communities. As a result, the abovementioned aspects will boost market growth in the coming years.

Market Restraining Factors

Drones are often limited by how much energy their batteries can store, directly impacting the duration they can stay airborne. Short flight endurance restricts the range and coverage of missions, limiting drone operations' overall efficiency and effectiveness. Limited flight endurance may result in the need for frequent battery changes or recharging, leading to increased operational costs. This is particularly relevant when drones are used for continuous monitoring or surveillance, requiring frequent flights. BMS advancements are crucial for maximizing the efficiency of available battery capacity. Due to the above factors, market growth will be hampered in the coming years.

By Application Analysis

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into fixed-wing drone and rotary wing drone. The fixed-wing drone segment acquired a substantial revenue share in the market in 2022. Fixed-wing drones are generally faster and more energy-efficient than rotary-wing drones. Their streamlined design allows them to cover ground quickly, making them ideal for mapping, agricultural surveying, and large-scale surveillance applications. Fixed-wing drones often have a higher payload capacity than their rotary-wing counterparts. This allows them to carry larger and heavier sensors, cameras, or other specialized equipment for various applications, including remote sensing and scientific research. Fixed-wing drones can be launched quickly and easily. This is advantageous for applications that require rapid response times, such as emergency reconnaissance or disaster assessment.

By End-Use Analysis

Based on end-use, the market is fragmented into military aviation, commercial aviation, and others. In 2022, the commercial aviation segment held the highest revenue share in the market. Commercial drone flight controllers support navigation by allowing operators to pre-program specific waypoints or flight paths. This is particularly useful for aerial surveys, mapping, and inspections, where precise and repeatable flight paths are required. Many commercial drone applications involve autonomous flight. Drone flight controllers enable UAVs to operate autonomously by following predetermined flight plans, making them suitable for agricultural monitoring, pipeline inspections, and infrastructure surveys.

By Sales Channel Analysis

On the basis of sales channel, the market is divided into online and offline. The online segment covered a considerable revenue share in the market in 2022. Large e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Walmart often have a diverse selection of drone flight controllers. These platforms offer various brands and models, customer reviews, and ratings. Online stores specializing in drones and drone accessories are likely to carry a variety of flight controllers. Examples include DJI's official website, GetFPV, and HobbyKing. Online stores that cater to hobbyists and remote control (RC) enthusiasts often carry drone flight controllers. Websites like Tower Hobbies and Banggood may have a selection of these products.

By Range of Operation Analysis

By range of operation, the market is classified into short range, mid-range, and long range. In 2022, the short-range segment registered the highest revenue share in the market. Short-range operations imply that the drone is flown within a limited distance from the operator. This distance can vary based on regulatory restrictions, line-of-sight requirements, and the specific application. Short-range missions often involve rapid deployment of the drone. The drone flight controller system should support quick and efficient startup procedures to minimize the time between deployment and mission execution. The drone flight controller monitors critical parameters such as altitude, speed, battery status, and GPS coordinates. This information is essential for ensuring the drone's safety and operational efficiency during short-range flights.

By Regional Analysis

Region-wise, the market is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2022, the Asia Pacific region generated a substantial revenue share in the market. Manufacturers in the Asia Pacific region are actively engaged in research and development to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of drone systems. Ongoing advancements in drone technology include improvements in flight controllers, sensors, and communication systems. Drones are used for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and surveillance in the Asia Pacific. Advanced flight controllers enable drones to operate effectively in complex and changing environments, enhancing their utility in such applications.

Recent Strategies Deployed in the Market

• Feb-2024: BAE Systems PLC has completed the acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics Ltd., an aviation and aerospace component manufacturer. BAE Systems’ acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics fits with their plan to invest in new, advanced technologies and improve their capabilities. Additionally, Malloy will still operate from its Berkshire site, but as a division of BAE Systems LLC.
• Nov-2023: Honeywell International, Inc. has inked a partnership agreement with AIBOT US, Inc., an aviation and aerospace manufacturer. In this partnership, Honeywell will offer advanced flight controls for AIBOT US Inc.'s electric aircraft. Additionally, Honeywell plans to improve the next generation of aircraft avionics through this partnership.
• Nov-2023: Moog, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Data Collection Limited, along with its Road Measurement Data Acquisition System (ROMDAS) product portfolio. Through this acquisition, Data Collection Limited will become a subsidiary of Moog and will allow Moog to provide a comprehensive solution for preventing and detecting foreign object debris at both US military and commercial airports globally.
• May-2023: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. has unveiled the DJI Matrice 350 RTK (M350 RTK), an improved top-of-the-line drone platform. The upgraded version includes a better video transmission system, a more effective battery system, and increased payload capabilities. Furthermore, the platform is designed to be more versatile, safer, and efficient for various aerial operations, including those in public safety, energy, mapping, infrastructure, or forestry.
• Jun-2023: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. has inked a partnership agreement with Flyability SA, an arial technology company. Under this partnership, DJI will combine the Lightbridge 2, a dependable image transmission system, with the collision-tolerant Elios aircraft. Moreover, Elios will use Lightbridge 2 technology to navigate complex structures and metallic environments with reliability.

List of Key Companies Profiled

• BAE Systems PLC
• Honeywell International, Inc.
• SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (iFlight Technology Company Limited)
• Moog, Inc.
• Fusion Engineering
• Sky-Drones Technologies Ltd.
• JIYI Robot (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
• Safran
• Collins Aerospace (RTX Corporation)
• Parker-Hannifin Corporation

Global Drone Flight Controller System Market Report Segmentation

By Application

• Rotary Wing Drone
• Fixed-Wing Drone

By End-Use

• Commercial Aviation
• Military Aviation
• Others

By Sales Channel

• Offline
• Online

By Range of Operation

• Short Range
• Mid Range
• Long Range

By Geography

• North America
• US
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Russia
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• LAMEA
• Brazil
• Argentina
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Nigeria
• Rest of LAMEA