Goodrich Aerospace: From Tires to High-Tech Systems
Aviation technology companies have gotten complicated with all the mergers and acquisitions flying around. I was digging through some old industry reports a while back and came across the Goodrich name in a context I wasn’t expecting — tires. Turns out, the company we know as Goodrich Aerospace started out as the B.F. Goodrich Company, and their entry into the aerospace world was literally through aircraft tires. That humble beginning makes their eventual evolution into one of the most capable aerospace systems companies even more interesting to trace.
How It All Started
B.F. Goodrich got into aerospace by supplying tires to the early aviation industry. From there, they gradually expanded into a much broader range of aerospace components and systems. It was a natural progression, really — once you’re already on the airfield supplying one part of the aircraft, you start seeing opportunities everywhere else. Over time, they built a reputation for quality and innovation that let them move well beyond rubber and into serious aerospace engineering.
What Goodrich Actually Makes
By the time Goodrich Aerospace hit its stride, the product lineup was extensive. They were involved in multiple segments of aviation, supplying everything from landing gear to advanced avionics. Here’s a quick rundown of their major product categories:
- Tires and Brakes
- Fuel Systems
- Electrical Power Systems
- Engine Components
- Safety and Surveillance Systems
- Aerostructures
Landing Gear Systems
This is probably what Goodrich is best known for in aviation circles. Landing gear has to handle enormous forces during takeoff and landing — we’re talking about absorbing the impact of a hundred-ton aircraft hitting concrete at 150 knots. Goodrich designs and manufactures gear for a wide range of aircraft models, and their systems are trusted because they work, flight after flight. When you think about it, landing gear might be the ultimate “it has to work every single time” component on an airplane.
Avionics and Electrical Systems
Goodrich also built a strong presence in avionics — navigation, communication, and flight control systems. Their electrical power systems keep all the onboard electronics running smoothly. Probably should have led with this, but avionics is one of those areas where reliability isn’t just nice to have — it’s non-negotiable. Goodrich understood that and invested accordingly, constantly updating their technology to keep pace with modern requirements.
Pushing Technology Forward
Goodrich put serious money into R&D, and it showed. Two areas stand out to me in particular.
Lightweight Materials
Carbon composites changed the game for aerostructures, and Goodrich was an early adopter. These materials are as strong as — or stronger than — traditional metals, but significantly lighter. That weight savings translates directly into better fuel efficiency, which matters to every airline watching their operating costs. Goodrich helped set the industry standard for using these materials in aircraft structures.
Intelligent Systems
This is the area that I find most forward-thinking. Goodrich developed intelligent systems focused on predictive maintenance — basically, systems that can spot a developing problem before it turns into a real issue. By monitoring component health in real time and analyzing trends, these systems extend the useful life of aircraft parts and reduce unscheduled maintenance events. That’s what makes Goodrich endearing to airline maintenance departments — they built tools that actually make the job easier and safer.
Defense and Military Work
Goodrich held a significant position in the defense sector, supplying specialized equipment built to handle extreme conditions that commercial gear wouldn’t survive.
Engine Components and Fuel Management
Military aviation demands systems that work in conditions ranging from desert heat to arctic cold, sometimes in the same mission. Goodrich’s engine components and fuel management systems were built for that kind of operational range. They met the stringent mil-spec standards required, and their systems helped keep aircraft mission-ready.
Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Goodrich supplied advanced surveillance and reconnaissance systems that provided data for mission planning and execution. In military operations, the quality of your intelligence often determines the outcome, and Goodrich’s systems earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy. That’s not something you fake — it gets tested in real operational conditions.
The UTC Merger and Strategic Partnerships
One of the biggest moves in Goodrich’s history was the 2012 merger with UTC Aerospace Systems. That deal combined the resources and expertise of both organizations, significantly expanding product capabilities and market reach. It was a massive deal that reshaped the competitive dynamics of the aerospace supply chain.
Beyond that merger, Goodrich maintained close working relationships with other industry leaders. These partnerships weren’t just handshake deals — they involved real technology sharing, collaborative R&D, and joint problem-solving. That kind of cooperation drives innovation in ways that working in isolation simply can’t match.
Taking Sustainability Seriously
Goodrich recognized early on that sustainability wasn’t going away as a priority. They integrated environmentally responsible practices into their operations, focusing on reducing emissions and making production processes more efficient.
Environmental Management
They implemented Environmental Management Systems to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing. This wasn’t just about checking regulatory boxes — though they did that too — it was about genuinely reducing waste and energy consumption across their facilities.
Fuel-Efficient Technology
A big part of their sustainability effort centered on developing systems that optimize fuel consumption. When you make an aircraft system that burns less fuel, you’re reducing costs and environmental impact at the same time. That’s the kind of win-win that actually moves the needle.
The Legacy Going Forward
Goodrich Aerospace’s legacy lives on through the technologies and standards they helped establish. Their trajectory from a tire manufacturer to a full-spectrum aerospace systems company is a remarkable story of growth and adaptation. The technologies they pioneered — lightweight composites, intelligent maintenance systems, advanced landing gear — continue to influence how aircraft are built and maintained today. Whether you’re looking at commercial aviation or military applications, Goodrich’s fingerprints are on a lot of the systems that keep aircraft flying safely.
