The equivalent of R6.6 billion is being invested in the unmanned cargo aircraft (UCA) market this year, according to ASD Reports.
This growth, it added, was due to a rapid increase in technological innovation and private investment in the market.
ASD pointed out that the use of unmanned cargo aircraft was set in motion with the first use of electronic flying aids during the onset of aviation as it is recognised today.
In many ways the use of UCA was inevitable. And, in the long term future of aviation, it is a stepping stone towards the operation of unmanned passenger transportation.
Manned cargo transportation is fast approaching the ultimate limit of its powers, as aircraft designs are limited by the crew that are required to operate them. Added to that is operators being restricted by inflexible aircraft designs, which must adhere to traditional aircraft infrastructure and facilities in order to operate routes profitably and safely.
UCA systems have now reached a point where a feasible and flexible alternative is presented to operators and prospective investors and stakeholders to increase the scope of airfreight operations exponentially over the next decade.
This opens the opportunity for new regions to be connected to the global cargo network and for remote regions to be connected to trading hubs across the world. It also promises unparalleled consumer convenience in urban centres and a similar exponential increase in logistics capabilities across the military and defence sectors.
ASD’s 282-page report contains 290 tables, charts and graphs that utilise visual representation to clarify trends and market projections within the UCA market. A key player provides a range of forecasts for the period 2016-2026 as well as for four submarket sectors: Long range/high payload delivery systems; military systems; specialised/irregular delivery systems; and urban delivery systems. The four submarket forecasts are at the global level and also for each of the six leading regional markets.
It also provides profiles of 20 leading companies and includes an exclusive interview with expert Dr Hans Heerkens, chairman of the Platform for Unmanned Cargo Aircraft (PUCA), a European working group.
