Goodrich Aerospace has gotten complicated with all the corporate reshuffling flying around. If you’ve tried to trace the lineage of this company recently, you know what I mean. It’s been acquired, merged, rebranded, and folded into larger entities, but the core of what Goodrich built over more than a century still runs through a staggering number of aircraft flying today. I’ve had a particular soft spot for their landing gear systems ever since I watched a documentary about brake testing that made me realize how much engineering goes into something most passengers never think about.
A Quick History Lesson
Goodrich Aerospace traces back to 1870, when Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich started the company in Akron, Ohio. Originally it was a rubber products company. Tires, hoses, that sort of thing. But by the 1940s they were manufacturing tires for military and commercial aircraft, and that’s when the aerospace trajectory really started.
After World War II, Goodrich pushed deeper into aerospace, expanding beyond tires into aircraft systems and components. Probably should have led with this, but the company’s evolution from rubber manufacturer to aerospace heavyweight is one of the more interesting corporate transformation stories in American industry. They didn’t just pivot. They systematically built expertise in area after area until they were supplying some of the most demanding systems on modern aircraft.
What They Actually Make
The product range is broad, and honestly most of it flies under the radar of anyone who isn’t in the industry. Here’s what stands out to me:
Landing Gear Systems: This is probably what Goodrich is best known for in aerospace circles. Their landing gear goes on both commercial and military aircraft, and the engineering that goes into these systems is remarkable. We’re talking about structures that need to absorb the impact of a 200-ton aircraft touching down at 150+ knots, then do it again thousands of times without failing. The tolerances are incredibly tight.
Actuation Systems: These control mechanical movements throughout the aircraft. Flight control surfaces, landing gear extension and retraction, engine controls. Actuation systems are one of those things where if they work perfectly, nobody notices. If they don’t, it’s a very bad day.
Aircraft Interior Products: Seating, lighting, and safety systems. I know interiors might seem like a less exciting category, but passenger comfort directly affects airline revenue, so there’s serious engineering behind cabin products too.
Electronic Systems: Avionics, sensors, and integrated electronic packages that enhance operational capability. This is the area that’s been growing fastest, for obvious reasons.
The Technology Side
Innovation has always been central to how Goodrich operates. Their de-icing technology is a great example. Ice accumulation on flight surfaces is genuinely dangerous, and Goodrich developed systems that allow aircraft to operate safely in icing conditions that would otherwise ground them. That technology has saved lives. Full stop.
Their braking systems are another area where the engineering is impressive. They moved to carbon brake materials, which are lighter than traditional steel brakes and actually perform better. Less weight means better fuel efficiency, and better braking performance means shorter stopping distances. It’s one of those rare engineering wins where you improve multiple things simultaneously.
On the sensor and data management side, Goodrich systems feed information to pilots and maintenance crews that supports real-time decision-making. These systems track aircraft health parameters and flag issues before they become problems. That kind of proactive monitoring is changing how airlines approach maintenance.
The UTC Acquisition
In 2012, United Technologies Corporation acquired Goodrich, and the combined entity became UTC Aerospace Systems. This was a major deal in the industry. UTC’s existing aerospace capabilities merged with Goodrich’s product lines, creating a company with an enormous range of offerings.
What I found interesting about the post-acquisition period was how Goodrich’s identity persisted. The technology and expertise didn’t just get absorbed. It genuinely cross-pollinated with UTC’s existing capabilities. Engineers from both sides worked together on projects that neither company could have tackled alone. At least, that’s how it was described to me by someone who lived through the transition.
In Commercial Aviation
Goodrich products are everywhere in commercial aviation. Boeing, Airbus, Embraer. If you’ve flown on a major commercial aircraft in the last twenty years, you’ve almost certainly relied on Goodrich-designed systems. Their landing gear and actuation systems are on many of the most popular aircraft types in service.
The interior systems contribute to passenger experience in ways most travelers never connect to a specific supplier. The lighting in the cabin? Possibly Goodrich. The seats? Could be. And the electronic systems handling navigation and communication are running quietly in the background of every flight.
For airlines, the reliability of these products translates directly to lower maintenance costs and fewer unscheduled groundings. In an industry where an aircraft sitting on the ground is losing money every minute, that reliability has real financial value.
Military Work
Goodrich has a long history with military aviation too. Their systems are on fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. The military demands are different from commercial aviation in some ways. Higher performance envelopes, more extreme operating conditions, and requirements for systems that can take punishment and keep working.
Their actuation and control systems enable the precise maneuvers that military aircraft need to perform. And their sensor and intelligence systems support surveillance and reconnaissance missions, providing real-time data collection and analysis. That’s what makes Goodrich’s military portfolio endearing to defense planners. It covers a wide spectrum of needs with proven, reliable technology.
Environmental Responsibility and Regulations
Goodrich has invested in environmentally responsible practices, using materials and processes designed to reduce emissions and energy consumption. They participate in industry sustainability initiatives, which matters as the aerospace sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.
Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable in this business. Goodrich products meet international safety standards set by bodies like the FAA and EASA. The certification process is rigorous and expensive, but it’s what gives airlines and military operators confidence in the products they’re installing on their aircraft.
Research and Development
R&D investment is substantial at Goodrich. They allocate serious resources to developing new solutions and improving existing ones. Collaboration with universities and research institutions is part of their approach, which I think is smart because it brings in fresh perspectives and keeps the company connected to emerging science.
Their R&D work has driven advances in materials science, sensor technology, and aerodynamic systems. These aren’t incremental tweaks. Some of their innovations have fundamentally changed how certain aircraft systems work.
Training, Support, and Global Operations
Goodrich provides training programs for both technical and operational personnel. These cover system operations, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. Their service center network spans the globe, offering repair, overhaul, and inspection services.
Their products are in use across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. International partnerships extend their reach further, allowing them to tap into local expertise and meet regional requirements. Strong customer relationships, built on responsive service and open communication, have been a consistent part of their approach.
Looking Forward
Goodrich Aerospace, now operating under the broader Raytheon Technologies umbrella, continues to focus on growth and innovation. Electric propulsion and autonomous flight are emerging areas where their expertise in systems integration could play a significant role. The legacy they’ve built since 1870, grounded in engineering quality and reliability, positions them well for whatever comes next in aviation. I’ll be watching with genuine interest.
