Radar Simulator Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By End Use Industry (Military and Commercial), By Commercial (Aviation, Automobiles, and Others), By Application (Designing Testing and Operator Training), By System (Hardware and Software), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global radar simulator market size was valued at USD 2.36 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 2.41 billion in 2023 to USD 3.31 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

A radar simulator is a software or hardware that imitates the operation of a radar system. It is used for training, testing, and development in various fields such as aviation, military, meteorology, and others. The purpose of the simulator is to recreate the functionality and behavior of a real radar system in a controlled environment. It allows users to simulate radar functions, including target detection, tracking, and measurement, without the need for actual radar hardware.

Simulators provide a cost-effective alternative to real radar systems for training and testing purposes and also provide a safe environment for simulating complex and dangerous scenarios that may be impractical or risky to recreate in real-world situations. Physical radar installations can be expensive to build and maintain, while simulators eliminate the need for expensive hardware for training and testing purposes. The rising demand across military and commercial sectors is expected to catalyze the market of radar simulator globally.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Reduction in Demand for Civil Aviation Adversely Affected the Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on this market. It resulted in reduced demand for civil aviation, leading to reduced air traffic and limited airport infrastructure growth in 2020. However, simulator suppliers managed to secure contracts for simulators with various military forces around the world.

• For instance, in June 2020, Dynetics Inc. was awarded a USD 356 million contract for 10 years to produce and maintain foreign simulators known as the Laboratory Intelligence Validated Emulator (LIVE). The LIVE service is used by the Electronic Military Avionics of Robins Air Force Base in Georgia and other Department of Defense agencies.

Such instances allowed players to enter the simulator market and influence its growth. However, the turnover in 2020 was lower than in 2019. In addition, the lockdown measures caused a huge disruption to the supply chain across the globe, which further caused a huge backlog of orders. According to a European Union report, demand for aircraft and space products fell by 43% in 2020, and airlines are also struggling to recover ever since. Thus, the declining demand has curbed the growth of the simulator market in the world.

LATEST TRENDS

Augmentation of Active Electronically Scanned Arrays in Radar Simulator to Drive Market Growth

As radio frequency (RF) and digital hardware have evolved over the years, radar capabilities have evolved to provide higher resolution, larger tracking areas, and frequency flexibility, as well as enhanced data processing and electronic countermeasures (ECCM). In addition, technological advances in radio frequency, digital hardware, active electronically scanned array (AESA), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and cognitive electronic warfare (cogEW) have led to advances in test and training systems.

Instead of time division, the simultaneous transmission of multiple RF signals has allowed the data processing processor to process all beams simultaneously and increased the number of targets the radar could track. Moreover, AESA has increased detection range with higher combined power, higher SNR, and better antenna directivity. These AESA advances set new requirements for radar environment simulators (RES) used to test the probes.

Furthermore, to manage frequency flexibility, simulator vendors initially used fast frequency detection algorithms and a fast RF signal path to keep up. The advent of direct-to-digital RF sampling technology enables a new strategy. Extreme sample rate and high bit depth ADC/DAC enable IBWs above 1 GHz up to Ka-band frequencies. This transformative technology enables the monitoring of architectures that do not depend on hunting signals in a frequency band. These new devices’ higher bit depth allows the detection of multiple simultaneous pulses that differ in power level.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Demand for Aircraft in Commercial & Military Sector to Boost the Market Growth

The commercial & military aviation sectors have grown rapidly in recent times. Increasing investment by governments in modern aircraft fleets, along with various other socio-economic factors, is increasing the demand for air traffic systems, which is expected to ultimately increase the adoption of simulators.

Aviation plays an important role in the economic growth of a country. Most governments are emphasizing airport expansion to catalyze their aviation sector. In connection with this, several airports are being built or renovated, such as air traffic towers, runways, terminals, and others. The growth of air traffic control towers is poised to increase the demand for simulators.

• For instance, in January 2022, Air Navigation Solutions (ANSL) inked a contract with Marshall Aerospace at Cambridge City Airport to offer essential simulator training for airport trainees and a full air traffic control simulator. The increasing modernization of aircraft and radar systems increased the need for the development of traditional simulators. Airlines and air traffic controllers need real-time, accurate radar data to help pilots and air traffic controllers make accurate decisions.

Usage of Radar Simulators for the Development of a Training Simulation Environment to Spur Market Growth

The global radar simulator market share is driven by the growth of military ground clearance operations. Terrorists use UAVs to target civilians and public infrastructure, and countering these attacks has become a significant challenge for air force authorities, homeland security groups, and defense forces. Consequently, the installation of simulators to train police and internal security forces in the use of radar systems has become a priority for various governments.

Air strikes cause serious humanitarian, environmental, political, and economic problems and destroy public infrastructure. Simulators are also placed in Air Force bases to train pilots and operators to detect and report potential threats to the bases. Thus, military forces, border security forces, and paramilitary forces are acquiring technologically advanced simulators. Therefore, the use of simulators to develop a training simulation environment for instructors is driving the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rise in Radar Malfunctioning May Hamper the Market Growth

Radar is an essential piece of equipment in many aircraft. Moreover, on commercial aircraft, two radars are required. A working radar and a skilled operator are the primary means of collision avoidance on board an aircraft. Nothing can replace a pilot’s eyes through glass, but in poor visibility owing to darkness or fog, the pilot’s vision can be lost and radar can save the day.

If the radar does not receive a heading pulse or bearing pulse, it will display an error code. If the signals are not constant or noisy, the target will become disoriented on the bow and jump around the screen. The heading pulse is produced by a magnet passing through the reed switch. If a head-up switch is not working correctly, the radar will not be able to locate the bow. The bearing pulses are produced by the motor or optical interrupters. If the bearing pulses are not working properly, the radar will not be able to determine the distance past the bow that the radar has rotated.

• For instance, in May 2023, a passenger flight from Osaka, which was traveling to Paris, was forced to turn back due to a failure of weather radar and a speed-measuring device over the Pacific Sea.

Such errors or instances cannot be recreated through simulators in an artificial environment. Hence, this limitation may pose a restriction to the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By End Use Industry Analysis

Rising Demand for Trained Military Personnel to Foster Segment Growth

On the basis of end use industry, the market is classified into commercial and military. The military segment holds the largest share and is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment in the market due to the emergence of modern military systems, such as network-centric warfare and electronic warfare that require simulators for operational testing. Another factor driving the strong growth of this segment is the demand for experienced and trained military personnel globally.

The commercial segment is anticipated to also witness significant market growth during the forecast period. Commercial radars are less complex than military radars; therefore, they require general capabilities to ensure the correct detection of radar signatures of aircraft flying in the airspace. Radar technology is also being updated as the global fleet of new-generation commercial aircraft grows, which in turn increases the demand for simulator systems used for personnel training.

By Commercial Analysis

Aviation Segment Dominated Owing to Usage of Simulators To Train Radar Operators

Based on commercial, the market is divided into aviation, automobiles, and others. The aviation segment dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to be the fastest-growing segment over 2023-2030. In aviation applications, simulators are used to train commercial pilots as well as radar operators.

The automobiles segment is poised to witness moderate growth during the forecast period. Key developments in autonomous and connected cars are expected to drive the expansion of the segment. For instance, technological developments in radar target simulator (RTS) assists OEMs in accelerating product development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). In September 2020, Keysights launched such an RTS called E8718A with an operating frequency between 76 GHz and 81 GHz. 

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By Application Analysis

Operator Training Segment to Dominate Due to Growing Radar Simulator Demand for Weather Monitoring

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into designing testing and operator training. The operator training segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period due to an increase in demand from a range of applications such as search, surveillance, navigation, weather monitoring, fire control, and mission training.

The designing testing segment is going to show moderate growth during the forecast period. Designing testing is used for various radar applications, from echo chambers and outdoor air ranging (OAR) to laboratory production testing and radar performance evaluation.

By System Analysis

Hardware Segment Holds the Largest Share Owing to Complexity Related to Real-time Scenario Simulation

On the basis of system, the market is divided into hardware and software. The hardware segment holds the largest share and is estimated to grow moderately during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the complexity of simulating real-time scenarios. In addition, the demand for skilled and trained military personnel is driving the growth of the segment.

The software segment is estimated to be fastest-growing during the forecast period. A software-based radar system produces simulated radar data by combining various track, AIS, navigation, and secondary radar data. The simulator can create moving targets using integrated graphics tools to simulate real-time scenarios for trainers and system testers.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is studied across North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

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Europe dominated the market share in 2022 owing to the growing acquisition of simulators among the military and growing demand for air traffic simulators. Moreover, there is an ever-increasing concern about security in public places, at national borders across land, seaports, and air bases in the region. Effective control and management of air, sea, or land threats using radar systems has become an important paradigm for military and security agencies in the region. The radar systems and simulators are increasingly used to ensure the safety of military operations and personnel to effectively train radar operators. Many countries, such as Germany, France, and the U.K. have acquired simulators to strengthen their military forces.

North America market for radar simulator is expected to register moderate growth during the forecast period due to the presence of major players and higher adoption of advanced technologies across the region. In addition, the U.S. is the most important country in the region in terms of technological and industrial developments. Rising demand of simulators across commercial and military aviation platforms catalyzes the market growth of across North America.

Due to the stable economic growth and profitability of emerging economies, the Asia Pacific has created an optimistic scenario for the market. The region's aviation and aerospace industry has grown unprecedentedly, both internationally and locally, with the increase in the number of air passengers. In addition, the increase in aircraft deliveries, supported by the increase in passenger traffic, has created a need for advanced air traffic control training. This factor has increased sales of simulators in the Asia Pacific. Furthermore, military powers in the region, such as China, Japan, and India are investing heavily in technology, such as upgrading existing radar technology to improve their air capabilities. These factors have fueled the growth of the simulator market across the Asia Pacific and the region is expected to be fastest growing during the forecast period.

The rest of the world is slated to show moderate growth between 2023 and 2030. Advances in technology are paving the way to highly efficient simulators. Due to the increased need for aviation safety, the rest of the world simulator industry has grown significantly. The growing need for precise flight navigation and pilot assistance in long-haul flights is driving the market growth in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players are Focusing on Technological Advancements to Strengthen their Market Position

The market is characterized by a limited number of dominant vendors operating worldwide. It is very competitive and players are competing to win a significant share. Limitations related to design modularity due to the integration of multiple radar functions into a single platform are hindering the growth of the market. It is important for OEMs to provide end users with advanced simulators to survive in highly competitive market environments. Some of the dominant players in the market include Mercury Systems Inc., Buffalo Computer Graphics, ARI Simulation, Ultra Electronics, and others. These players compete primarily on the basis of their manufacturing capacities, global networks, product offerings, R&D investments, and strong customer base. The competitive environment of the market is becoming even tighter with the growth of product/service extensions and technological innovations.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Adacel Technologies Limited (Australia)


• ARI Simulation (India)


• AceWavetech (South Korea)


• Buffalo Computer Graphics (U.S.)


• CambridgePixel Ltd. (U.S.)


• Harris Corporation (U.S.)


• Mercury Systems Inc. (U.S.)


• Rockwell Collins (U.S.)


• Ultra-Electronics Inc. (U.S.)


• Textron Systems (U.S.)


• Pregasis Canada Inc (Canada)


• Micro NAV Limited (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2023 - Adacel and SkyWarrior won a USD 7 million contract to buy U.S. military simulators. Adacel Technologies and SkyWarrior Flight Training are providing the U.S. military with systems and equipment to replace the Advanced Tower Simulator and Army Flight Radar Training Simulator as part of the Flight School Training Support Services (FTSSS) program.


• January 2023 - One Stop Systems (OSS), a provider of high-performance computing systems, announced a USD 3 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense's Missile Defense Agency to upgrade its radar simulation system. The plan is to integrate the OSS 4UV computing accelerator system with its mobile radar systems and edge data centers.


• January 2022 – CLEARWISDOM SDN BHD (CLEARWISDOM) selected Micro Nav Limited to install the BEST ATC 3D Tower and radar simulator at its new air traffic controller training center in Malaysia. BEST stands for Beginning for End for Simulation & Training.


• June 2020 - Royal Netherlands Air Force contracted Micro Nav for ATC simulator transfer and contract extension support. Micro Nav completed the transfer of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) air traffic radar and tower simulators from the Nieuw Milligen Air Operations and Air Traffic Control Station to a new purpose-built facility at Schiphol East in Amsterdam.


• April 2020 - Micro Nav provided BAE Systems with an upgrade to an existing ATC radar simulator. Warton's BAE Systems ATC function serves a unique mix of civil, military, and test flights. The upgrade consisted of a complete hardware enhancement and an upgrade to the latest version of BEST ATC simulation software.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Radar Simulator Market

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The report provides a detailed global radar simulator market growth analysis and focuses on critical aspects such as significant companies, system types, solutions, and major applications. In addition, it delivers insights into market trends and highlights key industry developments. Apart from the above-mentioned factors, the report covers several direct and indirect issues that have influenced the market growth in recent years.

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