// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM

Actuator

A mechanical device that converts energy into motion, used to move or control parts of an aircraft or spacecraft.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

An actuator is a mechanical device that converts an input signal (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic) into mechanical motion, generating force or displacement to control or operate mechanisms such as flight control surfaces, valves, or robotic arms in aerospace systems.

BACKGROUND

Redwire Corporation is an American aerospace manufacturer and space infrastructure technology company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The company was formed on June 1, 2020, by the private equity firm AE Industrial Partners, through the combination of its portfolio companies Adcole Space and Deep Space Systems. Redwire went public in January 2021.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Servo
  • Motor
  • Control mechanism
  • Drive unit

USAGE NOTE

Actuators precisely adjust the angle of rocket engine nozzles for steering.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Actuator.

  • Moog Inc.

    A worldwide designer and manufacturer of high-performance precision control systems. Its Space and Defense Group develops a wide range of actuators for spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, and military aircraft, including electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic types.

  • Honeywell Aerospace

    A division of Honeywell International that is a leading manufacturer of aircraft engines and avionics, as well as a producer of auxiliary power units and other aviation products. They develop and supply electromechanical and hydraulic actuators for flight control, thrust vector control, and utility functions on commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft.

  • Collins Aerospace

    A subsidiary of RTX Corporation, Collins Aerospace is a major supplier of aerospace and defense products. Their Actuation Systems division provides primary and secondary flight controls, high-lift systems, and specialized utility actuation for a wide variety of commercial and military aircraft.

  • Parker Aerospace

    A division of Parker Hannifin that provides a broad range of motion and control technologies for aerospace and other mobile markets. Their product lines include flight control actuation systems, hydraulic systems, and electromechanical actuators for commercial and military aircraft.

  • Curtiss-Wright Corporation

    A global company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense, and power markets. They produce a wide range of electro-mechanical actuation and control systems for applications like flight control surfaces, utility actuation, and weapons systems.

  • Safran Electrical & Power

    A division of the French multinational company Safran, specializing in electrical systems for the aerospace market. They design and produce a range of electromechanical actuators and components for flight controls, landing gear, and engine nacelles.

  • Honeybee Robotics

    Now a subsidiary of Blue Origin, Honeybee Robotics develops advanced robotic and spacecraft systems. They specialize in creating custom actuators, motor controllers, and mechanisms designed to operate in extreme space environments, such as those on Mars and the Moon.

  • Woodward, Inc.

    An independent designer and manufacturer of control system solutions and components for the aerospace and industrial markets. They produce highly reliable actuators for flight controls, engine controls, and guided weapons systems, including electromechanical, electrohydraulic, and direct-drive servo valves.

  • Liebherr-Aerospace

    A division of the Liebherr Group, this company is a leading supplier of systems for the aviation industry. It develops, manufactures, and services flight control and actuation systems, landing gear, and air management systems for a wide range of aircraft.

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