Helicopter Skid Landing Gear Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Gear Type (High Skid Gear, Low Skid Gear, Fixed Skids, Retractable Skids, Hybrid Skids and Other Gear Types), Material Type, Helicopter Type, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Helicopter Skid Landing Gear Market is accounted for $0.83 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $1.44 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. Helicopter skid landing gear is a type of fixed landing system commonly used on light helicopters. It consists of two tubular metal skids attached to the helicopter's fuselage with struts. Skids provide a simple, lightweight, and durable solution for landing and ground handling, especially in rugged or uneven terrain. Unlike wheeled landing gear, skids do not retract and are ideal for helicopters operating in remote or unimproved areas. Their design allows for stable landings, supports the aircraft's weight, and reduces maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.

According to a report by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the demand for helicopter services is expected to grow by 3.4% annually over the next decade.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand for light and utility helicopters

The increasing demand for light and utility helicopters is significantly driving market. These helicopters are widely used in emergency medical services, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and tourism. Skid landing gear offers a lightweight, cost-effective, and durable solution, making it ideal for such versatile applications. As global demand for these helicopters rises, manufacturers are focusing on advanced materials like composite materials and titanium alloys to enhance performance and fuel efficiency, further propelling the market growth.

Restraint:

Low load-carrying capacity

The low load-carrying capacity of helicopter skid landing gear poses a significant limitation in the market, especially for military and heavy-lift operations. It restricts the ability to carry additional equipment, personnel, or cargo, reducing mission versatility and operational efficiency. This drawback also limits its application in larger helicopters, steering demand toward wheeled landing gear systems. As a result, manufacturers may face challenges in expanding market share, particularly in sectors requiring higher payload capacities and enhanced multifunctional capabilities.

Opportunity:

Rising military spending

The market is witnessing rising military spending, driven by increasing global defense budgets and heightened geopolitical tensions. Nations are prioritizing fleet modernization, with lightweight, durable skid systems favored for their cost-effectiveness and performance in rugged terrains. Demand is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, where military operations often require agile rotary-wing aircraft. Additionally, advancements in materials and design are aligning with defense needs, further boosting procurement and development investments in this sector.

Threat:

Competition from wheeled landing gear in certain segments

Competition from wheeled landing gear in certain segments of the helicopter market poses a challenge for skid landing gear. Wheeled systems offer advantages such as better maneuverability on paved surfaces and higher load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for specific applications like transport or larger commercial helicopters. As a result, skid landing gear faces reduced demand in these segments, particularly in civilian and cargo operations. This competition pressures manufacturers to innovate and adapt skid designs to retain relevance in diverse operational environments.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the market, causing delays in manufacturing, supply chain interruptions, and reduced demand due to grounded fleets and halted production. Travel restrictions and decreased defense and commercial aviation activity led to a decline in new helicopter orders, affecting gear component sales. However, as global aviation gradually recovers, the market is witnessing renewed investments, especially in defense and emergency medical services, driving a slow but steady rebound in demand for skid landing gear systems.

The high skid gear segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The high skid gear segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its advantages in rough terrain operations and improved ground clearance. Commonly used in utility and military helicopters, high skid gear enhances stability during landing on uneven surfaces and facilitates easier loading and unloading. Its robust design supports operations in challenging environments, making it ideal for rescue missions, firefighting, and offshore applications. As demand for versatile and mission-specific helicopters grows, high skid gear continues to see increased adoption globally.

The law enforcement segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the law enforcement segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. These helicopters are utilized for a range of operations, including surveillance, search and rescue, and rapid deployment in urban and rural settings. Skid landing gear offers advantages such as reduced weight, simplicity, and the ability to land on various terrains without the need for prepared surfaces. This trend is contributing to the growth of the helicopter skid landing gear market, particularly in regions like North America and Asia-Pacific.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share. This growth is driven by increased helicopter adoption for both military and civil applications, especially in countries like China and India. The demand for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective skid landing gear is rising, particularly in sectors such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and infrastructure development. Technological advancements in materials and design are further enhancing the performance and reliability of skid landing gear systems, contributing to the market's expansion in the region

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR due to rising demand for lightweight, cost-effective solutions. The adoption of carbon fiber and titanium is improving durability while reducing weight, enhancing fuel efficiency. Innovations like active damping systems and health monitoring sensors are improving safety and reliability. Additionally, Increased use in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and military operations is fueling market expansion.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Helicopter Skid Landing Gear Market include Liebherr-Aerospace, Boeing, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Airbus Helicopters, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, GE Aviation, Moog Inc., Honeywell Aerospace, BMT Group, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, Aviation Capital Group, Safran Landing Systems, Fokker Technologies, Collins Aerospace, Kazan Helicopters and Enstrom Helicopter Corporation.

Key Developments:

In March 2025, Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc., Michigan (USA) and SkyWest Airlines based in St. George, Utah (USA) have reached a definitive agreement for landing gear overhaul and systems maintenance on a defined portion of SkyWest Airlines' Embraer 175-E1 fleet. Program overhauls will commence in 2025 and undergo complete "restoration" in accordance with Embraer's requirements for continuing intervals of 30,000 flight hours or 12 calendar years.

In February 2025, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH in Lindenberg (Germany) announced the delivery of the 1,000th landing gear brace to the Airbus A220 final assembly lines in Mirabel (Canada) and Mobile, Alabama (USA). This major milestone underlines our commitment to our customers and our aim to continuously optimize our performance. The assembly process involving intricate parts requires coordination as well as close interdisciplinary cooperation.

Gear Types Covered:

• High Skid Gear
• Low Skid Gear
• Fixed Skids
• Retractable Skids
• Hybrid Skids
• Other Gear Types

Material Types Covered:

• Aluminum
• Titanium
• Composite Materials
• Stainless Steel

Helicopter Types Covered:

• Civil Helicopters
• Military Helicopters
• Commercial Helicopters

Applications Covered:

• Reconnaissance
• Law Enforcement
• Search and Rescue
• Combat operations
• Border security
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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