Overview of the global air-cushion vehicle market

The rising territorial water zone disputes and security concerns for sea trade across the world have resulted in the growing emphasis on maritime security. To counter such concerns and safeguard trading ships, several countries globally are making massive investments in amphibian landing vessels like air-cushion vehicles. These vehicles are deployed for coastal patrol, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations owing to its high-speed maneuverability capabilities. Also, the air-cushion vehicle industry is witnessing the production of advanced landing crafts that can travel on several types of terrain like ice and sand. With the inclusion of several modernization programs, naval fleets worldwide are investing in advanced air-cushion vessels to the existing fleet to protect and safeguard sea borders from various threats. Technavio’s market research analyst predicts the global air-cushion vehicle market to exceed USD 4 billion by 2020.

One of the latest trends gaining traction in the market is the development of next-generation air-cushion vehicles. The US Navy is focusing on the development of advanced surface connectors like Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) that are more consistent and cost-effective to operate than the older LCACs. These vehicles can be operated by only a two-member crew, including a pilot and co-pilot due to the new joystick control system instead of rudder pedals.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

The global air-cushion vehicle market is extremely competitive with the presence of many vendors, who contend in terms of cost, quality, reliability, and aftermarket service. The market comprise of well-diversified international and small- and medium-sized vendors, who are offering cost-effective and high-quality services to sustain themselves in the market. The competitive environment is likely to increase with the growth in product extensions, technological innovations, and increased number of mergers and acquisitions.

Leading vendors in the market are -

• Aerohod
• AirLift Hovercraft
• ALMAZ
• Griffon Hoverwork
• Textron

Other prominent vendors in the air-cushion vehicle market include Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Hovertechnics, Hovertrans Solutions, Neoteric Hovercraft, Feodosia Shipbuilding Company, The British Hovercraft Company, and Universal Hovercraft.

Segmentation by application and analysis of the air-cushion vehicle market

• Military applications
• Commercial applications

The military air-cushion vehicles have a significant market share in the market as all the major navies across the globe operate these vehicles to carry troops from ships to land as well as to deploy them for patrolling the territorial waters of the region. These vehicles are also used for search and rescue operations in sea, ice, and sand terrains. To add combat capabilities, manufacturers are equipping these vehicles with firearms such as machine guns, rifles, and grenade launchers. The air-cushion vehicles are also used in humanitarian relief operations globally for the transportation of injured people and the delivery of medical provisions, life-saving devices, and vital supplies like food and water.

Geographical segmentation and analysis of the air-cushion vehicle market

• Americas
• APAC
• EMEA

The Americas accounted for the largest share of the market during 2015 and is anticipated to dominate over the other geographies over the forecast period. Much of the region’s growth in the Americas is predominantly driven by the modernization and new procurements of air-cushion vehicles by the US Navy and Latin American countries. Also, with the increasing usage of these vehicles across the US for commercial applications like sports and personal travel, the market for air-cushion vehicles in this region will exhibit promising growth over the forecast period.

 Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?
• What are the key factors driving the global air-cushion vehicle market?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global air-cushion vehicle market?
• What are the challenges to market growth?
• Who are the key vendors in the global air-cushion vehicle market?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global air-cushion vehicle market?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global air-cushion vehicle market?

Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.

Related reports:

• Global Amphibious Landing Craft Market 2016-2020
• Global Naval Combat Systems Market 2016-2020
• Global Military Land Vehicles Market 2015-2019