Aircraft Struts and Rods Market By Type (Struts, Rods, Tie Rods, Control Rods, Push-Pull Rods); By Material (Aluminum Alloys, Titanium Alloys, Steel Alloys, Composites); By Aircraft Platform (Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation, Helicopters, UAVs); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Aircraft Struts And Rods Market will witness a steady CAGR of 6.4% , valued at $4.1 billion in 2024 , and is expected to appreciate and reach $6.0 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Aircraft struts and rods, though not always the most visible components of aerospace structures, are vital for maintaining structural integrity, absorbing loads, and enhancing dynamic performance. These components are extensively used in both fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing platforms — ranging from commercial and cargo aircraft to military jets and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Their applications span across airframe support systems, landing gear assemblies, engine mounts, fuselage reinforcements, and control surface linkages.

 

The market's growth is strategically tied to several macroeconomic and technological forces. A sharp rise in global air traffic, increasing fleet modernization programs, and renewed interest in regional aviation post-COVID are all fueling demand for more durable, lightweight, and performance-optimized aircraft components. Moreover, the aerospace industry’s aggressive pivot toward composite materials and additive manufacturing (AM) is reshaping how rods and struts are designed and produced — often favoring titanium alloys, carbon composites, and high-performance polymers.

 

From a regulatory perspective, compliance with stringent safety norms laid down by aviation bodies such as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) has led to increased testing, certification, and quality assurance processes — further elevating product development timelines and costs. However, this also encourages OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to invest in advanced simulations, virtual testing, and lifecycle cost reduction strategies.

 

In the defense sector, increased geopolitical tensions and rising defense budgets — especially across Asia Pacific and the Middle East — are encouraging the procurement of next-gen fighter jets, surveillance drones, and military helicopters, all of which rely heavily on high-performance struts and linkage rods to endure harsh operating environments.

 

Key stakeholders influencing the trajectory of this market include:

• OEMs like Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and Lockheed Martin

• Tier 1 suppliers such as Collins Aerospace and Safran Landing Systems

• Specialty component manufacturers producing rods, pins, and struts from exotic alloys

• MRO service providers handling retrofitting and part replacement cycles

• Government agencies and defense departments

• Investors and aerospace technology incubators

With the industry shifting toward electric aviation, supersonic travel, and urban air mobility (UAM), the role of ultra-lightweight and fatigue-resistant structural components like struts and rods is only set to grow in strategic significance.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

To offer a clear strategic overview of the aircraft struts and rods market , this section segments the market across four primary dimensions: By Type , By Material , By Aircraft Platform , and By Region . These segments allow us to capture the full landscape of adoption trends, technological preferences, and growth opportunities through 2030.

By Type

• Struts

• Rods

• Tie Rods

• Control Rods

• Push-Pull Rods

• Tension Rods

• Actuating Rod Assemblies

Struts are structural members designed to resist compression, often found in landing gear systems and engine nacelles. Rods — including control and push-pull rods — primarily manage motion transfer and mechanical linkage in flight control systems. In 2024 , struts accounted for approximately 58% of total market revenue, driven by their critical role in fuselage support, landing assemblies, and heavy-duty structural reinforcements. However, control rods are forecast to be the fastest-growing sub-segment due to increasing automation and actuator control systems in next-generation aircraft.

 

By Material

• Aluminum Alloys

• Titanium Alloys

• Steel Alloys

• Composites (CFRP, GFRP)

• Others (Hybrid Materials, Ceramics)

Traditional materials like aluminum alloys remain dominant due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio and cost-effectiveness, especially in regional and commercial aviation. However, composites are emerging rapidly with a CAGR of 8.1% as OEMs shift to lighter, corrosion-resistant components to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions. Titanium is particularly prevalent in military aircraft where high tensile strength and thermal resilience are critical.

 

By Aircraft Platform

• Commercial Aviation

• Military Aviation

• Business & General Aviation

• Helicopters

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

In 2024 , commercial aviation remains the dominant segment due to large aircraft volumes and frequent MRO cycles. However, UAVs are experiencing the fastest CAGR, spurred by growth in surveillance, border security, and logistics applications — demanding miniaturized yet high-strength rod and strut systems. Smaller platforms now require aerospace-grade structural integrity once reserved for traditional jets.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)

North America leads the market in 2024, benefiting from an advanced aerospace ecosystem, military expenditure, and homegrown OEMs like Boeing and Gulfstream . However, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing regional market, driven by expanding airline networks, indigenous aircraft programs (e.g., China’s COMAC), and a surge in regional connectivity investments.

Strategic visibility across these segments enables manufacturers and investors to position R&D, procurement, and sales operations more effectively — whether targeting legacy aircraft retrofit programs or next-generation composite airframes.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The aircraft struts and rods market is undergoing a transformative shift as aerospace OEMs and component manufacturers respond to evolving aircraft designs, regulatory pressures, and operational efficiency targets. Technological innovation, material science evolution, and digital engineering are central to this progression.

1. Integration of Advanced Composite Materials

One of the most significant developments reshaping the market is the widespread adoption of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) and glass fiber composites in structural linkages. Traditionally, struts and rods were made from aluminum or steel alloys; however, the aerospace industry’s urgency to reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption is pushing manufacturers to incorporate hybrid composites . These materials not only reduce component weight by 25–40% but also increase fatigue resistance and corrosion tolerance, especially in high-humidity and coastal operating environments.

“The future of structural load-bearing components is undeniably composite-centric — lighter, stronger, and more resistant to fatigue cycling,” notes a senior materials engineer at an EU-based aerospace design firm.

 

2. Digitally Engineered Structural Components

Digital engineering practices such as finite element analysis (FEA) , topology optimization , and digital twins are playing a crucial role in redesigning struts and rods for enhanced aerodynamic and load-bearing performance. By simulating thousands of real-time flight conditions, engineers can reduce the margin for overdesign — cutting both weight and material cost without compromising safety.

Furthermore, additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining traction for creating complex rod geometries that are difficult to achieve through traditional machining. While still nascent for load-bearing parts due to certification hurdles, titanium 3D-printed rods have successfully passed flight testing in several experimental aircraft and are likely to be commercialized by 2027.

 

3. Embedded Sensors and Smart Strut Systems

An emerging trend is the development of smart struts and rods that include embedded sensors capable of real-time monitoring of structural loads, vibration, and temperature. These systems feed data into the aircraft's central health monitoring systems, allowing predictive maintenance strategies that reduce downtime and increase airworthiness. This trend is especially relevant for military and cargo aircraft , where component failure could jeopardize mission-critical operations.

 

4. Mergers, Collaborations, and Supply Chain Shifts

The last three years have seen a rise in strategic partnerships between aerospace OEMs and specialty material firms . These collaborations focus on accelerating the integration of next-gen materials and speeding up FAA/EASA certification timelines. Notably, aerospace component suppliers are vertically integrating operations to reduce dependency on volatile supply chains, particularly for rare earth materials and aerospace-grade titanium.

For example, several aerospace subcontractors in Europe are moving toward in-house forging and machining capabilities for strut blanks, mitigating global logistics risks seen during the COVID-19 supply disruptions.

 

5. Environmental Compliance and Lifecycle Redesign

Sustainability mandates are prompting manufacturers to rethink the entire life cycle of aircraft components . Eco-design approaches are being used to create rods and struts that are not only lighter but also more recyclable. Aerospace circular economy pilots are emerging, particularly in Europe, where end-of-life aluminum components are recovered and repurposed for second-life aviation or industrial uses.

“The aerospace strut of the future is not just a structural member — it's a digitally connected, environmentally accountable, and performance-optimized asset,” says a lead engineer at a Tier 1 aerospace supplier.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The aircraft struts and rods market is characterized by a mix of global aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and specialized component manufacturers. Competitive advantage in this space is determined by material innovation , certification speed , supply chain agility , and aftermarket service capabilities .

Below is a strategic profiling of key players shaping the competitive landscape:

1. Collins Aerospace

A division of RTX Corporation, Collins Aerospace is a global leader in aerospace components, including landing gear and structural systems. The company leverages advanced design and testing tools for its strut and actuator assemblies , and is investing in digital twin technologies to extend component lifespan through predictive maintenance. Its wide MRO network supports global fleet reliability, giving it a distinct aftermarket edge.

 

2. Safran Landing Systems

Safran specializes in landing gear systems and has deep expertise in main and nose landing struts , particularly for narrow- and wide-body aircraft. With facilities in France, Canada, and China, the company benefits from a global footprint. Safran’s recent focus includes additive manufacturing of titanium strut elements and partnerships with composite material startups to design next-generation shock absorption systems.

 

3. Triumph Group

Triumph Group manufactures a wide array of aerospace mechanical systems, including control rods and push-pull assemblies. The firm supports both OEM and aftermarket demand and is known for retrofit kits and performance upgrades for aging fleets. Its expertise in metallic struts using high-strength aluminum and steel alloys positions it well in commercial and military programs.

 

4. PCC Aerostructures (Precision Castparts Corp.)

A Berkshire Hathaway company, PCC Aerostructures provides precision-engineered structural components such as rods and beams to top-tier aircraft manufacturers. Their competitive edge lies in complex forging, high-tolerance machining , and an integrated supply chain. The company also collaborates with OEMs to co-develop lightweight components using proprietary alloys.

 

5. Liebherr Aerospace

Known for high-reliability systems, Liebherr Aerospace produces struts, support rods, and hydraulic system elements. Its focus is on system-level integration , where struts are designed in synergy with actuators and sensors for optimized weight and control feedback. The company is increasingly involved in hybrid-electric aircraft programs, positioning itself for future aviation platforms.

 

6. Heroux-Devtek

This Canadian aerospace company supplies precision landing gear and flight control components , including actuating rods and struts. Heroux-Devtek’s strategy revolves around niche customization — offering tailored assemblies for business jets and special mission aircraft. Its North American and European manufacturing hubs support both new aircraft production and long-term maintenance contracts.

 

7. Magellan Aerospace

Magellan Aerospace manufactures complex structural components and assemblies, including rod-type linkages for airframe and propulsion systems. With significant investment in automated manufacturing lines and composite part fabrication , Magellan is enhancing its competitive standing in both defense and commercial aviation sectors.

While larger players benefit from scale and system integration, specialized firms gain traction through speed, customization, and material expertise. The next competitive frontier lies in reducing the certification burden of new composite struts while expanding lifecycle support through embedded diagnostics.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Regional dynamics in the aircraft struts and rods market are shaped by variations in defense spending, airline fleet growth, indigenous manufacturing capabilities, and access to high-grade aerospace materials. While mature markets like North America and Europe dominate in volume and technological sophistication, emerging regions are catching up through aggressive infrastructure expansion and policy incentives.

North America

North America accounted for the largest share in 2024 , underpinned by the presence of global aerospace OEMs such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin , and Gulfstream . The U.S. market benefits from:

• High military spending (including fighter jets and UAVs)

• Robust MRO ecosystem

• Advanced materials supply chain, especially for titanium and composites

Further, R&D collaboration between private firms and agencies like NASA continues to accelerate innovation in strut design and fatigue analysis.

“The U.S. is not only a volume leader but also a testing ground for next-gen structural components embedded with smart sensors,” says an aerospace consultant based in Seattle.

 

Europe

Europe remains a stronghold for sustainable aviation technologies , with companies like Airbus and Safran spearheading innovations in lightweight structures. Regional adoption is also driven by:

• Stringent EU regulations on carbon emissions, fueling demand for composite materials

• Collaborative defense programs (e.g., FCAS) integrating custom structural components

• Mature testing and certification labs distributed across France, Germany, and the UK

While Western Europe dominates in terms of output, Eastern Europe is emerging as a cost-effective hub for component assembly and machining, particularly under offset agreements with larger OEMs.

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is forecast to be the fastest-growing regional market (CAGR 8.3%) , propelled by rapid fleet expansion, urban air mobility pilots, and increased defense procurement. Key trends include:

• Massive civil aviation growth in China, India, and Southeast Asia

• Rise of indigenous aircraft platforms like China’s COMAC C919 and India’s Tejas fighter jet

• Localization of manufacturing supported by government subsidies and offset clauses

Japan and South Korea are also investing in composite fabrication and high-precision forging , making the region increasingly self-reliant in strategic aerospace parts.

 

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)

Though smaller in absolute value, LAMEA presents white space opportunities :

• The Middle East, led by UAE and Saudi Arabia , is investing in MRO hubs and defense industrial bases that require reliable component sourcing.

• Latin American countries like Brazil (home to Embraer ) are integrating lightweight strut systems in regional jet programs.

• Africa lags in indigenous production but shows promise for aftermarket sales and retrofitting projects as air connectivity expands.

“LAMEA is strategically positioned to become a second-tier supplier base — especially as global OEMs look to diversify sourcing away from single geographies,” explains a procurement director at an MRO facility in Dubai.

Overall, regional leadership will hinge on the ability to balance performance, cost, and local content — especially as geopolitical tensions and material sourcing challenges shape future procurement strategies.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The end-user ecosystem for aircraft struts and rods spans a broad spectrum of stakeholders, each with distinct operational demands, procurement priorities, and lifecycle expectations. These components are not simply commodities — they are mission-critical elements whose performance directly impacts flight safety, airframe longevity, and overall maintenance efficiency.

Key End-User Segments

1. Commercial Airlines and Operators Commercial airlines represent the largest end-user base by volume. With expanding global fleets and aggressive schedules, airlines prioritize durable, lightweight struts and rods that reduce fuel costs and support extended maintenance intervals. Retrofit and replacement cycles in aging fleets also drive significant aftermarket demand.

 

2. Defense and Military Agencies Military aircraft place a premium on high-performance materials and extreme load-bearing capacities. Fighter jets, transport planes, and surveillance drones rely on specialized struts and rods that can withstand shock, vibration, and thermal extremes. These users often demand custom-engineered solutions backed by rigorous certification.

 

3. Business and General Aviation This segment is highly quality-conscious, valuing components that enhance structural integrity while keeping aircraft nimble and efficient. Since business jets often operate in diverse environments and under less predictable schedules, reliability and part availability are critical.

 

4. Helicopter Operators Rotary-wing aircraft — both civil and military — use rods extensively in rotor control linkages and tail boom stabilizers. These parts endure high dynamic loads and cyclic stress, making fatigue resistance and real-time performance monitoring essential.

 

5. UAV Manufacturers As drone applications expand across logistics, defense , and inspection services, UAV makers are integrating miniaturized high-strength rods and struts that offer both mechanical stability and low weight. With the UAV market growing rapidly, this end-user group is emerging as an innovation incubator.

 

Real-World Use Case: Military Aircraft Lifecycle Optimization

A military maintenance facility in South Korea operating fourth-generation fighter jets faced recurring delays due to fatigue cracks in older steel control rods. The engineering team partnered with a domestic supplier to develop a customized titanium- aluminum hybrid rod, 32% lighter yet 3x more fatigue-resistant. Over a 9-month evaluation period, the upgraded rods reduced unscheduled maintenance events by 45%, improved flight availability, and enabled predictive diagnostics via embedded strain sensors. The solution is now being scaled across the broader fleet.

This case highlights how strategically engineered rods not only enhance aircraft performance but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce total lifecycle costs — a compelling value proposition for high-intensity operators like defense forces.

End-user dynamics in this market are increasingly defined by long-term reliability, advanced materials, and integration into smart maintenance ecosystems — making rods and struts far more than just passive mechanical elements.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Safran Launches Advanced Composite Strut Program In 2023, Safran Landing Systems initiated a collaborative R&D program focused on manufacturing ultra-lightweight composite struts for narrow-body aircraft. The goal is to reduce strut weight by up to 40% without compromising load performance.

• Triumph Group Secures Multi-Year Rod Assembly Contract Triumph Aerospace Structures secured a new contract in 2024 to supply push-pull rod assemblies for a major U.S. fighter jet program. This move further strengthens Triumph's presence in military aircraft structural subsystems.

• Airbus Tests Embedded Sensor Struts on A320neo In late 2023, Airbus announced successful testing of embedded-sensor-equipped struts for early fault detection in fuselage and wing assemblies, aimed at enhancing predictive maintenance capabilities.

• Heroux-Devtek Expands U.S. Production Footprint In 2024, Heroux-Devtek opened a new manufacturing facility in Ohio to produce flight control rods and landing gear components, streamlining delivery timelines for North American OEM clients.

 

Opportunities

• Surging Demand for Lightweight Aircraft Components As airlines and defense forces seek to reduce operational costs and emissions, there is strong momentum behind weight-saving structural technologies , making composite and titanium struts highly attractive.

• Integration with Smart Aircraft Systems The rise of connected aircraft ecosystems is driving demand for sensor-integrated struts and rods , enabling predictive maintenance, structural health monitoring , and real-time data feedback loops.

• UAV and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Growth The expanding role of drones and electric VTOL platforms creates new market openings for miniaturized, high-strength rods and struts , especially in surveillance, logistics, and urban transport.

 

Restraints

• High Cost of Advanced Materials and Certification Adopting titanium alloys or advanced composites drives up initial manufacturing and certification costs , particularly challenging for smaller OEMs and price-sensitive regional aircraft programs.

• Supply Chain Volatility and Raw Material Shortages Global instability and raw material shortages, especially of aerospace-grade titanium and carbon fibers , continue to strain production schedules and affect pricing stability.

While innovation opens new frontiers, cost pressures and regulatory hurdles remain critical variables that companies must navigate carefully to ensure sustained market competitiveness.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 4.1 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 6.0 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.4% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Type, By Material, By Aircraft Platform, By Geography
By Type	Struts, Rods, Tie Rods, Control Rods, Push-Pull Rods
By Material	Aluminum Alloys, Titanium Alloys, Steel Alloys, Composites
By Aircraft Platform	Commercial, Military, General Aviation, Helicopters, UAVs
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, LAMEA
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE
Market Drivers	Lightweight material demand, predictive maintenance, UAV adoption
Customization Option	Available upon request