Analysis 3 The Market for Airborne and Space-Based Electro-Optical Systems 2010-2019

摘要

In the context of this analysis, governments are forecast to spend approximately $17 billion on airborne and space-based EO systems during the 2010-2019 period. This total can be divided into three broad segments. The lion's share falls under the airborne electronics segment, which is expected to account for approximately 66 percent, or $11.3 billion. Due to their complexity, the three space programs covered in this analysis account for over $4.3 billion, or approximately 25 percent, of the value of the airborne and space-based EO market over the next 10 years. Special mission aircraft account for funding of approximately $1.55 billion from 2010-2019, representing the remaining 9 percent.rnElectro-optical systems constitute a sizable portion of the equipment that flies on airborne platforms. In the next 10 years, militaries will continue to purchase EO hardware to protect aircrews and ground troops. Approximately 44.6 percent of the funding for systems covered in this analysis represents product sales. Targeting pods, thermal imaging equipment, missile warning systems, minefield detection systems, laser warning receivers, infrared countermeasures, and night vision goggles all will be acquired. Specifically, over 12,000 airborne EO units are expected to be sold over the forecast period.rnMissile defense and missile countermeasures constitute leading industry trends. The Airborne Laser (ABL), Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS), and Space Based Infrared System High (SBIRS High) programs are dedicated to supporting a U.S. missilerndefense capability against intercontinental and theater ballistic missiles. Over the next decade, approximately $4.84 billion, or 28 percent, of the funding for airborne and space-based EO systems covered by this analysis will be dedicated to missile defense.rnAccording to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), infrared (IR) guided missile systems have become an important part of the arsenal of U.S. adversaries, and this threat has led to the development of several IR missile countermeasures systems. The IRCM category is worth over $4.26 billion over the 2010-2019 forecast period.rnThe SBIRS High program accounts for just over 18 percent of all projected funding in this market sample over the next 10 years. It is the largest program covered in this study, being valued at nearly $3.1 billion. SBIRS High is designed to be part of an overall early warning system to detect, identify, and track intercontinental ballistic missiles, sea-launched ballistic missiles, and tactical surface-to-surface missiles. It is part of the Ballistic Missile Defense Sensors (BMDS) program.rnResearch and development (R&D) programs to exploit emerging EO technologies for military operations will remain in effect. These include efforts to upgrade fielded products and develop new technologies in the laboratory. Approximately 53 percent of the funding tracked in this market review can be attributed to R&D efforts.rnLockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems hold top spots in the market for airborne and space-based electro-optical systems. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for SBIRS High, while Northrop Grumman is the prime for STSS and LAIRCM (Large Aircraft IR Countermeasures). BAE Systems' largest program is the ALQ-212 Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system.