Goodrich Aerospace: A Legacy That Shaped Modern Aviation
I was at an airshow a few years back, standing under the wing of a 737, when a retired mechanic next to me pointed at the landing gear and said, “Goodrich built that.” He said it with this quiet pride, like he was talking about an old friend. That stuck with me. Most passengers never think about who made the parts that keep their plane running, but in the industry, Goodrich Aerospace is a name that carries real weight.
How It All Started
Goodrich goes way back — 1870, actually. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich founded the company in Akron, Ohio, and originally they were a rubber products outfit. Not exactly aerospace, right? But companies evolve. By the 1940s, they were making tires for aircraft, and after World War II, they pushed deeper into the broader aerospace market. That pivot changed everything for them.
It’s one of those stories where a company that started doing one thing well ended up doing something completely different, arguably even better.
What They Actually Make
Goodrich’s product catalog reads like a checklist of everything that keeps an aircraft functioning. Here’s the quick rundown:
- Landing Gear Systems: This is probably what they’re best known for. They build landing gear components for both commercial and military aircraft, and their stuff has a reputation for durability.
- Actuation Systems: These control mechanical movements on the aircraft — flight controls, landing gear extension and retraction, engine controls. Lots of moving parts that need to work perfectly every single time.
- Aircraft Interior Products: Seating, lighting, and safety systems. The stuff passengers actually see and touch.
- Electronic Systems: Avionics, sensors, and integrated electronics that give pilots and crews the information they need to operate safely.
Probably should have led with this — Goodrich products are on most major commercial aircraft flying today. If you’ve flown on a Boeing or Airbus in the last couple decades, you’ve relied on Goodrich components whether you knew it or not.
The Innovations That Mattered
A couple things stand out to me. Their de-icing technology was a game changer. Flying in icy conditions used to be — well, it was dangerous. Goodrich’s systems made it significantly safer. That alone is a massive contribution to aviation.
Their work on carbon braking systems is another one. By switching to carbon materials, they reduced brake weight while actually improving stopping performance and longevity. Less weight means better fuel efficiency. Better brakes mean safer landings. It’s a win all around.
Their sensor and data management systems feed real-time information to pilots and maintenance crews. Having the right data at the right time can mean the difference between catching a problem on the ground and dealing with it at altitude. I don’t need to tell you which one is preferable.
The UTC Acquisition
In 2012, United Technologies Corporation acquired Goodrich, creating UTC Aerospace Systems. Big corporate mergers in aerospace can go either way — sometimes the smaller company just gets absorbed and its identity vanishes. But from what I’ve seen, Goodrich’s capabilities actually thrived under the UTC umbrella. The merger let both companies share technology and expertise in ways that wouldn’t have been possible separately.
There was some cross-pollination of engineering talent and R&D resources that pushed product development forward. Whether that was the plan from the start or a happy side effect, I couldn’t say. But the results speak for themselves.
In the Commercial World
Goodrich products are everywhere in commercial aviation. Their landing gear and actuation systems are on aircraft from all the major manufacturers. Their interior products — seats, lighting, cabin systems — affect how millions of passengers experience air travel every day.
For airlines, the reliability angle is huge. When your gear works consistently and doesn’t need constant maintenance, that translates directly to lower costs and fewer delays. That’s what makes Goodrich endearing to airline maintenance departments — their stuff just works, flight after flight.
Military Applications
On the military side, Goodrich supplies systems for fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Their actuation and control systems enable the precise maneuvers military aircraft need to perform. Their landing gear can handle conditions that would destroy commercial-grade components — think carrier landings, unprepared runways, that kind of thing.
Their sensor and intelligence systems support surveillance and reconnaissance missions too. Real-time data collection and analysis gives military operators a tactical edge. I’ve talked to a few veterans who worked on aircraft with Goodrich systems, and the consensus is they’re solid and reliable. High praise from people who depend on equipment with their lives.
Environmental and Regulatory Commitments
Goodrich has put real effort into environmental responsibility. Their manufacturing processes aim to reduce emissions and energy consumption, and their products are designed to meet strict environmental standards. This isn’t just corporate virtue signaling — aerospace regulations actually enforce a lot of this, and Goodrich has been proactive about staying ahead of requirements.
On the compliance front, meeting international safety standards is non-negotiable in aerospace. Goodrich ensures everything they produce passes regulatory muster from the FAA, EASA, and other agencies. It’s table stakes in this industry, but they’ve built a track record of getting it right consistently.
R&D Investment
Goodrich puts serious money into research and development. They collaborate with universities and industry partners to push the boundaries of materials science, sensor technology, and aerodynamics. I read a paper a while back that came out of a Goodrich-funded research partnership, and the work on advanced composite materials was genuinely impressive.
This investment in R&D is what keeps them competitive. Aerospace moves fast — or it feels like it does — and companies that don’t invest in the future get left behind.
Training and Customer Support
They run training programs for both technical and operational personnel. These cover system operations, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. If you buy Goodrich, you get support to actually use it properly. They also maintain a network of service centers that handle repairs, overhauls, and inspections.
From what I’ve heard from mechanics in the field, the support infrastructure is responsive and practical. They don’t just sell you equipment and disappear.
Worldwide Presence
Goodrich has facilities and service centers across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. That global footprint means they can support international clients without massive logistical headaches. Their products are flying on every continent, and partnerships with local organizations help them meet regional requirements and standards.
Looking Ahead
The future for Goodrich looks tied to where aviation itself is heading — electric propulsion, autonomous flight, next-generation materials. These are all areas where their existing expertise positions them well. The company has been around for over 150 years, and if the last century and a half is any indication, they’ll keep adapting.
I keep an eye on their announcements because whenever Goodrich releases something new, it usually means the rest of the industry is about to follow. That’s the kind of influence you earn over decades of consistent, reliable work.
