Key Findings

• Ram Air Turbines (RATs) are emergency power-generating devices deployed in aircraft to supply hydraulic or electrical power during in-flight engine or power system failures.
• These turbine-driven systems deploy from the fuselage or wing root, using airflow to spin a small propeller that drives a generator or hydraulic pump.
• RATs are mandatory on most commercial aircraft and military platforms, offering redundant power for critical systems such as flight controls and avionics.
• Increasing aircraft production, retrofitting of aging fleets, and growing emphasis on flight safety are primary drivers for market growth.
• Advances in composite materials and miniaturization are leading to lighter, more efficient RAT systems with faster deployment and higher output efficiency.
• The commercial aviation segment remains the largest user, while UAVs and military aircraft are emerging as high-potential adopters due to rising electronic warfare and mission-critical power needs.
• North America leads the market due to OEM concentration and aircraft fleet size, while Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth fueled by regional carrier expansion.
• Key players include Collins Aerospace, Safran S.A., Honeywell International Inc., Parker Hannifin, and Liebherr-Aerospace.
• Future developments are focused on intelligent RATs with condition monitoring, and integration with more electric aircraft (MEA) platforms.

Ram Air Turbine Market Overview

The Ram Air Turbine is an essential safety-critical subsystem in modern aircraft, acting as a last-resort power source when primary systems fail. Installed within the fuselage or wing structure, the RAT is spring-loaded and automatically or manually deployed into the airstream in the event of dual engine failure or loss of electrical/hydraulic power.Once deployed, airflow turns the RAT’s small turbine blades, which drive a mechanical shaft to power a hydraulic pump or generator. RATs typically provide power to critical flight systems such as flight controls, emergency lighting, avionics, and communication systems, thereby enabling safe continuation or landing of the aircraft.The market spans across commercial aviation, military aircraft, UAVs, and even space systems, where RAT-like systems are being developed for redundancy. The adoption is being fueled by increased regulatory emphasis on onboard safety, extended ETOPS operations, and the proliferation of electric flight control systems that require dependable backup energy sources.With aerospace OEMs pushing toward lighter and more electric aircraft, RATs are being designed to deliver higher output at lower weight, with smart diagnostics and integration capabilities becoming increasingly important for next-gen platforms.

Ram Air Turbine Market Size and Forecast

The global ram air turbine market was valued at USD 528 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 827 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period.The steady growth is underpinned by increased aircraft production from Boeing, Airbus, COMAC, and regional jet manufacturers, as well as retrofit programs to comply with updated safety mandates. As electric aircraft concepts become viable, the need for reliable backup systems such as advanced RATs becomes more pronounced.Military programs such as sixth-generation fighters, ISR drones, and stealth bombers are also incorporating lightweight, radar-low-signature RAT systems to ensure survivability and mission continuity. Moreover, unmanned platforms, which are heavily reliant on electrical systems, are driving the development of smaller RATs with higher voltage output.

Future Outlook For Ram Air Turbine Market

The RAT market is evolving beyond its traditional role as a purely mechanical emergency system. Future systems will integrate condition monitoring sensors, digital control units, and communication interfaces to feed health data into aircraft-wide diagnostics systems. This transforms RATs from passive safety components into active nodes within the aircraft’s energy management ecosystem.The trend toward More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and hybrid-electric propulsion systems will create new configurations where RATs may function not just in emergencies but also as auxiliary or supplemental power sources. Lightweight RATs may be integrated into UAVs, eVTOLs, and next-gen fighters where onboard redundancy is critical for safety and mission assurance.Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D-printed titanium parts and composite blades, are expected to improve durability and reduce maintenance needs. In future urban air mobility vehicles, ultra-lightweight RAT variants may offer crucial power redundancy in low-energy emergency scenarios.

Ram Air Turbine Market Trends

• More Electric Aircraft (MEA) Driving RAT Redesigns: The push toward electrical systems for flight controls, landing gear, and braking in MEA platforms is increasing the demand for RATs that can deliver reliable electrical output at higher voltage levels. RATs are now being optimized for variable-frequency AC and DC outputs, enhancing their compatibility with electric systems.
• Composite and Additive Manufacturing Integration: OEMs are leveraging composite materials and 3D printing to reduce RAT weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency. These materials offer better fatigue life and corrosion resistance, which are essential for components that must remain unused yet fully functional over years of operation.
• Integration with Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems (AHMS): New-generation RATs are being equipped with sensors to monitor blade speed, vibration, deployment accuracy, and load profile. This data is used to perform predictive maintenance and extend the lifespan of the RAT without compromising reliability.
• Miniaturized RATs for UAVs and Drones: High-endurance UAVs and military drones are integrating small-form-factor RATs for emergency power generation. These systems are especially valuable in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions, where a sudden power failure could compromise a mission or cause total asset loss.
• Regulatory Emphasis on Extended ETOPS Readiness: With extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) approvals becoming more common, regulators are emphasizing RAT reliability. As aircraft fly farther from diversion airports, the role of RATs as critical backup systems becomes more prominent, spurring investment in testing and redundancy.

Ram Air Turbine Market Growth Drivers

• Growing Commercial Aircraft Production: Rising demand for fuel-efficient aircraft and recovery in post-pandemic air travel are leading to increasing aircraft deliveries. Each new aircraft includes an integrated RAT, directly contributing to market growth. Narrow-body and regional jets particularly contribute to volume.
• Mandatory Safety Compliance Standards: Regulatory bodies like the FAA and EASA mandate the presence of backup power systems such as RATs for many types of commercial aircraft. These mandates ensure consistent RAT adoption in both new aircraft and retrofitting programs for older fleets.
• Increased Usage in Military Applications: Advanced military aircraft, including 5th and 6th generation fighters, stealth bombers, and large UAVs, rely on RATs for mission continuity in case of electrical system damage or failure. The high dependency on onboard electronic systems increases the need for high-performance RATs.
• Retrofitting and MRO Opportunities: Airlines and air forces globally are engaged in fleet modernization programs, which often include upgrades or replacements of RAT units to meet updated performance and safety standards. The robust MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) ecosystem fuels long-term demand.
• Demand for UAV-Based Emergency Systems:  As military and commercial drone platforms scale in size and capability, integrating backup systems like RATs becomes crucial. These lightweight emergency turbines ensure UAV survivability during main power unit failures, which is especially vital during autonomous missions.

Challenges in the Ram Air Turbine Market

• Deployment Mechanism Complexity and Reliability: RATs must deploy within seconds during an emergency, often under adverse aerodynamic conditions. Ensuring flawless deployment mechanisms adds engineering complexity and necessitates regular testing and certification.
• High Maintenance Standards and Inspection Cycles:  Though rarely used, RATs must remain in perfect operational condition for the aircraft’s entire life. This requires periodic checks, actuator tests, and turbine inspections, which increase maintenance workload and costs for operators.
• Weight and Aerodynamic Trade-offs: RATs add weight and increase drag when deployed. Even in a stowed position, design integration must ensure aerodynamic cleanliness. Balancing performance with weight constraints is a continuous challenge for aircraft OEMs.
• Limited Technological Differentiation Across Suppliers: The RAT market is mature and heavily regulated, which limits the scope for radical innovation. As a result, only incremental improvements are feasible, making market entry difficult for new players.
• Complex Certification and Qualification Processes: Every RAT must undergo extensive qualification to ensure it meets stringent safety standards under various failure scenarios. This makes product development timelines long and expensive, particularly for new aircraft programs.

Ram Air Turbine Market Segmentation

By Aircraft Type

• Commercial Aircraft (Narrow-Body, Wide-Body, Regional Jets)
• Military Aircraft (Fighter Jets, Bombers, Transport Aircraft)
• UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
• Business Jets
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Vehicles

By Deployment Mechanism

• Automatically Deployed
• Manually Deployed
• Hybrid (Dual Mode Deployment)

By Power Output

• Electrical Power Only
• Hydraulic Power Only
• Combined Hydraulic + Electrical

By Installation Location

• Wing-Mounted
• Fuselage-Mounted
• Nacelle or Tailcone-Mounted

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Leading Players

• Collins Aerospace (Raytheon Technologies)
• Safran S.A.
• Honeywell Aerospace
• Parker Hannifin Corporation
• Liebherr-Aerospace
• Nabtesco Corporation
• Woodward Inc.
• Eaton Corporation
• Triumph Group
• Marotta Controls

Recent Developments

• Collins Aerospace introduced an intelligent RAT system for next-gen MEA platforms, featuring predictive diagnostics and modular design.
• Safran S.A.began development of an advanced RAT for hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft with high-power density output.
• Honeywell Aerospace signed a long-term agreement with Boeing to supply RATs for the 737 MAX and 777X programs.
• Liebherr-Aerospace developed a compact RAT model tailored for use in high-performance UAVs and smaller business jets.
• Parker Hannifinenhanced its RAT hydraulic pump modules to support dual-mode aircraft that rely on both electrical and hydraulic emergency actuation systems.