Low-altitude UAV market to remain strong over the next five years, while the high-altitude UAV market stagnates, analysts say

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., 12 May 2010. Low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will dominate growth in the combined low- and high-altitude UAV market over the next five years, with growth in demand for low-altitude UAVs expected to post a 20 percent annual growth rate, according to market analysts at Market Intel Group LLC (MiG) in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The high-altitude UAV market, meanwhile, will stagnate over the next five years, with an accumulated annual growth rate of only 4 percent, MiG analysts predict. High-altitude UAVs such as Predator, Reaper, and Heron variants fly at altitudes of 15,000 to 30,000 feet.

MiG's predictions are outlined in the report: “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Counter-Insurgency Global Market & Technologies Outlook 2010-2015”.

Projected stagnation in the high-altitude UAV market are due to a saturated market and little competition, MiG analysts say. Predator and Reaper UAVs come from one manufacturer and are essentially restricted to one customer when America's NATO partners are considered, analysts say.

With production running at nearly full capacity and the customers buying everything that can be built, there is little room for growth. Add the lack of competition, and this market is stagnant and closed, MiG analysts say.

The new 'UAVs for Counter-Insurgency' forecast also highlights two other UAV segments that will expand regardless of what happens to today's markets. Those growing sub-markets are primed for commercial applications, which is also the topic for MiG's next forecast in this UAV series.

For more information contact Market Intel Group online at www.marketintelgroup.com.