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Landing Gear Manufacturers

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 70 landing gear manufacturers across the United States, from specialists in complex machining of bogie beams to full-service providers offering integrated retraction/extension system design and assembly.

Buyers frequently seek solutions for preventing stress corrosion cracking in high-strength steel components, ensuring precise tolerance stacking across multiple sub-assemblies, or validating a supplier's expertise in manufacturing main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG) assemblies that meet stringent cycle testing demands. The goal is often to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity and operational reliability throughout the aircraft's lifecycle.

The supplier landscape for landing gear varies significantly. Some manufacturers specialize solely in precision machining of specific components like pistons or cylinders, operating as build-to-print shops. Others offer extensive engineering capabilities, providing design-for-manufacture (DFM) feedback or even full design authority for new systems, often including hydraulic or electric actuation system integration. A third category focuses primarily on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), possessing the certifications and specialized tooling for recertification and refurbishment.

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Company Directory

70 companies nationwide

Associated Aircraft Manufacturing & Sales, Inc.

Winston Salem, NC

Associated Aircraft Manufacturing & Sales, Inc. (AAMSI), founded in 1953, manufactures high-performance, complex structural components like landing gears and engine mounts for aerospace and defense. Licensed by Boeing, AAMSI provides organic manufacturing, repair, and logistics support services for a wide range of aircraft products and platforms.

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Able Aerospace Services

Mesa, AZ

Based in Mesa, AZ, Able Aerospace Services provides FAA-approved repair and overhaul for fixed and rotor wing aircraft components, specializing in landing gear. They offer comprehensive solutions, including parts exchange and replacement parts. The company operates a large, certified facility with extensive capabilities for global aviation customers.

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Acme Aero Suspensions

Concord, NC

Based in Concord, NC, Acme Aero Suspensions manufactures high-performance suspension systems and components for light sport aircraft. They offer a range of products, including Black Ops and Pro Series shocks, and gear legs, with some products holding STCs for various aircraft. The company is veteran-owned, providing specialized landing gear solutions.

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ADC Aerospace

Fullerton, CA

Based in Fullerton, CA, ADC Aerospace is a high-precision aerospace component manufacturer specializing in complex machining, assembly, and testing. They produce critical parts, including landing gear components, flight controls, and hydraulic systems, utilizing capabilities like 5-axis CNC machining, EDM, and various finishing processes.

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Landing Gear Corp. (LGC)

El Cajon, CA

Based in El Cajon, CA, Landing Gear Corp. (LGC) specializes in designing and manufacturing spring aluminum landing gear. They offer comprehensive solutions for certified, experimental, and UAV aircraft industries, including tailored engineering, prototyping, and rigorous quality assurance testing for over 1,000 aircraft types.

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AMETEK MRO

Baldwin Park, CA

Based in Baldwin Park, CA, AMETEK MRO specializes in innovative landing systems products, offering new build and design programs for enhanced aircraft landing gear safety and reliability. They are a global provider of MRO services, supporting over 40,000 unique aircraft parts for the aviation aftermarket.

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Apex Space & Defense Systems

Huntington Beach, CA

Apex Space & Defense Systems designs and manufactures structural components for high-performance aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotorcraft. With over 40 years of experience in composite manufacturing, the company provides innovative, lightweight, and durable solutions for space, defense, and mission-critical markets.

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Applied Aerospace

White Salmon, WA

Based in White Salmon, WA, Applied Aerospace specializes in precision aerospace structures for space, air, and defense applications. The company provides comprehensive design, analysis, and in-house fabrication and assembly services. Their capabilities include Nadcap-certified metal bonding, precision machining, and composite fabrication, ideal for producing advanced components such as landing gear.

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Brek Manufacturing

Gardena, CA

Based in Gardena, CA, Brek Manufacturing specializes in precision machining complex structural components and sub-assemblies for the aerospace industry. They produce parts for programs including Boeing 737/777 commercial aircraft, and military fighters like the F-15, F-35, and F/A-18, along with Sikorsky helicopters.

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CM Manufacturing

Missoula, MT

CM Manufacturing produces fracture critical and flight safety critical landing gear components for the aerospace industry. Specializing in high-strength steel and non-ferrous parts, the company delivers precision-engineered components. With over 20 years of experience, it serves the aerospace sector from its US facilities.

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Composites Universal Group

Warren, OR

Based in Warren, OR, Composites Universal Group (CUG) specializes in advanced composites manufacturing services for the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. With over 25 years of experience, they offer full-service capabilities, from engineering and prototyping to tooling and production, emphasizing meticulous quality control and innovative solutions.

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Crane Aerospace & Electronics

Crane Aerospace & Electronics specializes in highly engineered aerospace and defense solutions. They directly manufacture critical components for landing systems, including advanced brake control systems and landing gear proximity indication systems. Their expertise also extends to sensing components, fluid management, electrical power, and thermal management for various aerospace applications.

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DART Aerospace

Portland, OR

DART Aerospace, based in Portland, OR, provides specialized components for helicopters. Their key products include aerial firefighting systems, flotation systems, and landing gear. They also offer interior and exterior accessories, fuel cells, and cargo expansion solutions, equipping helicopters worldwide.

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Dow Hydraulic Systems

Pomona, CA

Based in Pomona, CA, Dow Hydraulic Systems specializes in building custom hydraulic controls, servo valves, and actuator assemblies for the aerospace industry. The company provides comprehensive hydraulic testing services for flow, pressure, and leakage, proudly operating with Made in USA certification.

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F Atlee Dodge LLC

F Atlee Dodge LLC is an Alaska-based company specializing in aircraft parts fabrication since 1957. They manufacture quality components for Super Cubs and other aircraft, including various landing gear and landing gear components. Serving both certified and non-certified aircraft, the company emphasizes dependable service and expert craftsmanship.

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Federal Industries, Inc.

El Segundo, CA

Based in El Segundo, CA, Federal Industries, Inc. is an aerospace and defense manufacturer established in 1981. The company specializes in helicopter rotor dampers, landing gear components, structural aircraft assemblies, and external fuel tanks, alongside various flow control devices and aerial refueling systems.

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Force Fabrication Inc.

Oxnard, CA

Based in Oxnard, CA, Force Fabrication Inc. specializes in aerospace metal fabrication, producing high-precision aircraft components. They offer comprehensive services including CNC machining, precision sheet metal fabrication, laser cutting, dip-brazed assemblies, and welding. Serving the aerospace and military sectors, Force Fabrication provides turn-key solutions.

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Frazier Aviation, Inc.

San Fernando, CA

Frazier Aviation, Inc. is a US-based manufacturer and MRO provider specializing in aerospace components. They produce parts, including main landing gear guide brake shoes, for military aircraft such as C130, F16, and C5. A Boeing Preferred Supplier, Frazier Aviation offers sheet metal fabrication and overhaul services.

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Grove Aircraft Landing Gear Systems Inc.

Bentonville, AR

Grove Aircraft Landing Gear Systems Inc. manufactures FAA certified wheels, brakes, axles, and complete landing gear systems. The company specializes in TSO, STC conversions, and PMA articles, providing high-quality components for certified aircraft.

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H&S Manufacturing Co.

Rowlett, TX

H&S Manufacturing Co. based in Rowlett, TX, provides contract manufacturing services since 1968. They specialize in precision machining, custom sheet metal fabrication, and laser cutting. The company produces stainless steel parts for critical aerospace components like landing gear, airframes, and jet engines, focusing on on-time delivery.

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Héroux-Devtek Inc.

Strongsville, OH

Based in Strongsville, OH, Héroux-Devtek Inc. is an international company specializing in the design and manufacturing of landing gear. They provide comprehensive solutions for various aircraft platforms, offering advanced engineering expertise and production capabilities for the aerospace industry.

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JOST International

Grand Haven, MI

Based in Grand Haven, MI, JOST International manufactures high-quality trailer landing gear and related parts. The company supplies its robust products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fleet operators, and aftermarket partners, providing reliable support solutions for trailers in various transportation applications.

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Lancair

Sacramento, CA

Based in Sacramento, CA, Lancair is an experienced aviation manufacturer with decades of PMA-approved precision manufacturing expertise. The company produces aircraft units and components, offering parts and service to Lancair owners. It is known for its high-quality aviation manufacturing capabilities.

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Matco Aircraft Landing Systems

Woods Cross, UT

Based in Woods Cross, UT, Matco Aircraft Landing Systems manufactures wheels, brakes, and related components for landing systems. With over seven decades of experience, the company specializes in providing parts specifically designed for the sport aircraft market.

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McFarlane Aviation

McFarlane Aviation specializes in manufacturing high-quality main landing gear and tailwheels. They offer titanium and steel options for heavy or light-duty applications, alongside replacement airframe parts for popular aircraft models including Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and homebuilts. The company boasts over fifty years of industry experience.

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MP Aero, LLC

Valencia, CA

Based in Valencia, CA, MP Aero, LLC is an FAA and AS9100 certified aerospace manufacturer specializing in precision metal fabrication, exotic alloy forming, and electromechanical hydraulic-mechanical assemblies. They provide prototyping, manufacturing, assembly, and repair services for critical aerospace components and sub-assemblies.

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MTCcorp

Fountain Valley, CA

Based in Fountain Valley, CA, MTCcorp provides AS9100D certified aerospace manufacturing. They specialize in precision CNC machining, advanced composites, and complex assemblies, offering extensive fabrication capabilities like welding and water jet cutting. MTCcorp supports critical defense programs for major OEMs including Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin.

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NE-XT USA

NE-XT USA is an AS9100-certified manufacturer providing complex, high-quality machined components for aerospace and defense. Specializing in the landing gear sector, they deliver precision parts for critical applications. They are the sole supplier of F-15 nose landing gear orifice support tubes for the United States Air Force.

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OGS Industries

Akron, OH

OGS Industries, based in Akron, OH, leverages over 60 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality metal components. The company specializes in producing precision parts specifically designed for aircraft landing gear systems, serving the aerospace and defense sectors with reliable solutions.

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Ontic

Miramar, FL

Based in Miramar, FL, Ontic manufactures certified aircraft parts for the aerospace and defense industry. As an OEM, they specialize in aftermarket spares for various aircraft components, including landing gear. With over 45 years of experience, Ontic supports established aircraft programs.

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PCX Aerosystems

Newington, CT

Based in Newington, CT, PCX Aerosystems designs and manufactures high-precision, flight-critical, and dynamic components for demanding aerospace applications. They offer advanced machining capabilities for OEM products, including landing gear and complex systems, primarily serving the defense rotorcraft market.

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SIFCO Industries, Inc.

Cleveland, OH

SIFCO Industries, Inc. provides highly engineered forged components and machined assemblies for the aerospace, energy, and defense markets. They supply flight-critical parts for commercial and military aircraft, including helicopters and business jets. The company operates forging facilities in Cleveland, OH, and Orange, CA.

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Hershey Flying Service

David City, NE

Based in David City, NE, Hershey Flying Service specializes in STC modifications and manufacturing PMA replacement parts for Ag Cats. They provide comprehensive rebuilds and support for agricultural aircraft fleets, offering FAA-approved components for critical aircraft systems, including landing gear.

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Stretch Forming Corporation

Perris, CA

Based in Perris, CA, Stretch Forming Corporation offers advanced metal forming, precision 3- and 5-axis CNC machining, heat treatment, and fabrication. They produce complex structural components, kits, and assemblies up to 30 feet long for the aerospace and defense industries, providing integrated solutions for critical applications.

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Stromberg Carlson Products Inc.

Traverse City, MI

Based in Traverse City, MI, Stromberg Carlson Products Inc. manufactures electric landing gear systems for fifth-wheel RVs. This family-owned company, serving the RV aftermarket since 1959, provides landing gear available in various leg lengths and motor options, alongside other RV accessories for comfort and convenience.

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Lippert

Elkhart, IN

Lippert manufactures electric landing gear, product assembly, and components. Based in Elkhart, IN, the company prioritizes customer service, offering extensive resources including installation instructions, user manuals, parts diagrams, and technical documents for their products.

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Taylor Devices Inc.

North Tonawanda, NY

Based in North Tonawanda, NY, Taylor Devices Inc. manufactures high-performance landing gear systems for UAV and other aircraft. The company engineers and produces custom solutions designed to be lightweight, compact, and maintenance-free. They also offer a range of fluidic viscous dampers and shock absorbers for diverse aerospace applications.

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The PDI Group

Solon, OH

The PDI Group, based in Solon, OH, designs and manufactures products for the defense and aerospace industry. With 150,000 square feet of facilities, they provide engineering, manufacturing, and replacement parts, including weapons handling systems and aircraft support equipment. The company serves an international customer base across 56 countries.

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The Landing Gear Works

Auburn, WA

Based in Auburn, WA, The Landing Gear Works specializes in the manufacturing and improvement of main landing gear, tailwheel assemblies, and mounts for aircraft. The company provides critical components and enhancements, setting high standards of excellence in aerospace production. They deliver reliable parts for diverse aviation applications.

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Tri-State Fabricators

Cincinnati, OH

Based in Cincinnati, OH, Tri-State Fabricators provides precision metal fabrication and finishing services. Capabilities include laser cutting, welding, machining, rolling, forming, and assembly, supported by engineering and supply chain management expertise. The company offers end-to-end contract manufacturing for complex metal components.

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Venture Mfg. Co.

Dayton, OH

Based in Dayton, OH, Venture Mfg. Co. specializes in manufacturing high-performance linear actuators for various applications, including customized landing gear. They provide comprehensive services from CAD/CAM design and product engineering to prototype creation, ensuring durable and error-free components through state-of-the-art equipment.

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Zemarc Aerospace

Cypress, CA

Based in Cypress, CA, Zemarc Aerospace manufactures custom hydraulic and pneumatic solutions for critical aerospace applications. They provide high-performance power units, actuators, and integrated fluid power systems. Zemarc's products are integral to landing gear and flight control, serving the aerospace and defense industries.

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Aero Telemetry Corporation

Aero Telemetry Corporation specializes in designing and manufacturing lightweight, universal mount hydraulic retractable landing gear for Unmanned Air Vehicles up to 500 lbs. They also offer comprehensive UAV design, fabrication, and prototyping, plus related mechanical and electronic components. The company provides high-reliability telemetry and command/control systems for military and commercial aerospace applications.

Phone available

Alaska Gear Company

Anchorage, AK

Alaska Gear Company manufactures specialized landing gear components and complete gear sets for backcountry aircraft. Based in Anchorage, AK, the company produces durable products like Citabria landing gear, Maule oleo internals, and Alaskan Bushwheels designed for taildraggers and rugged performance.

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Cal-Draulics

Cal-Draulics specializes in building precision hydraulic and pneumatic products tailored for the aerospace industry. The company has a long-standing history of being a trusted supplier to major original equipment manufacturers, delivering critical components.

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Crissair, Inc.

Valencia, CA

Based in Valencia, CA, Crissair, Inc. manufactures quality aircraft fluid control components, including hydraulic actuators. They design, develop, and produce superior hydraulic, fuel, and pneumatic system components for military and commercial aircraft. The company supplies precision parts for airframe manufacturers and major subcontractors globally.

Phone available

Dover High-Performance Plastics

Dover, OH

Based in Dover, OH, Dover High-Performance Plastics manufactures specialized components from advanced plastics. They supply the aircraft industry, including builders of airframes, aircraft engines, and landing gear. The company leverages its expertise in high-performance materials to provide critical parts for demanding aerospace applications.

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EQ Systems

Cassopolis, MI

Based in Cassopolis, MI, EQ Systems manufactures hydraulic landing gear and leveling systems for a range of vehicles. They specialize in solutions for motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, horse trailers, and custom specialty vehicles, offering factory installation and repair services.

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INFINITY Aerospace

El Cajon, CA

Based in El Cajon, CA, INFINITY Aerospace specializes in the design and manufacture of retractable oleo strut main landing gear, including their Infinity 1 system, for canard sport aircraft and UAV applications. The company also provides various aircraft components like stick grips and lighted gear switches.

Phone available

Langaire Aircraft Parts LLC

Warren, OR

Based in Warren, OR, Langaire Aircraft Parts LLC offers custom machining and manufacturing services. With over 50 years of experience, this small shop specializes in producing experimental aircraft gear legs, serving makers, pilots, inventors, and industry. They provide both prototyping and production solutions across the US.

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Mecaer Aviation Group

Mecaer Aviation Group develops and produces integrated aircraft systems, specializing in landing gear, actuation, and flight control systems. The company provides clean sheet design and built-to-print manufacturing solutions for helicopter, business, and general aviation markets. They operate with a US presence in Philadelphia, PA.

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Miller CNC

Chula Vista, CA

Miller CNC, an AS9100- and ISO9001-certified precision CNC machine shop in Chula Vista, CA, specializes in hard metal and complex component manufacturing. They provide 3-axis and 5-axis milling and turning services for materials like titanium, Inconel, and exotic alloys. Serving aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturers, they produce structural parts.

Phone available

Moog

East Aurora, NY

Moog is a global leader in motion control, specializing in high-reliability actuators and actuation components. They provide advanced electric, hydraulic, and electro-hydrostatic solutions, including both hardware and software, for the aerospace market. Their cutting-edge technology supports manufacturers with critical systems integral to landing gear and other complex assemblies.

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Moseys Production Machinists

Anaheim, CA

Based in Anaheim, CA, Moseys Production Machinists provides high-precision CNC machining services, including milling, turning, and Swiss machining. They specialize in manufacturing aerospace parts and components, serving the Aerospace, Defense, Medical, Industrial, and Automotive sectors.

Phone available

NMG Aerospace

Stow, OH

Based in Stow, OH, NMG Aerospace delivers aircraft landing gear solutions and systems to the aviation industry. The company provides extensive aerospace manufacturing services, including precision machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing. NMG Aerospace also offers product design, qualification, production testing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

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Precision Aerospace Corporation

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Precision Aerospace Corporation manufactures high-precision aerospace components. This AS9100, ISO9001, and NADCAP-certified facility provides quality workmanship for the aviation industry, emphasizing safety and performance. Services include machining, chemical milling, and finishing, utilizing exotic alloys for critical aerospace applications.

Phone available

PneuDraulics, Inc. (PDI)

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, PneuDraulics, Inc. (PDI) manufactures precision-engineered aerospace hydraulic system components. They provide actuators, accumulators, solenoid-operated valves, and reservoirs for military, commercial, and commuter aircraft. PDI’s operations adhere to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016 standards for quality.

Phone available

Power-Packer

Power-Packer manufactures hydraulic stabilization, position, and motion control solutions for various industries. They specialize in hydraulic landing gear systems for trailers, hydraulic cab tilt systems, and actuation systems for medical and custom applications, aiming to improve safety and productivity.

Phone available

TK1 Racing

Lincoln, CA

Based in Lincoln, CA, TK1 Racing custom designs and manufactures landing gear components for experimental aircraft. They specialize in Cabane Vee style gear, offering complete landing gear leg packages, chromoly axles, and extreme shock packages for models like the Kitfox Model 4 and Super Cub.

Phone available

Aerospace Structures Corporation

Aerospace Structures Corporation offers 40 years of expertise in the analysis, design, fabrication, and testing of structural assemblies and hardware. The company provides key components for various aerospace applications, leveraging extensive experience in engineering and manufacturing for critical industry needs.

Phone available

Texas Air Services, Inc.

Dickinson, TX

Based in Dickinson, TX, Texas Air Services, Inc. specializes in FAA-approved overhaul and repair services for critical aircraft components. The company holds specifications for the Main Landing Gear Stay Part # C6U1210, performing repairs that introduce threaded ends, ensuring component integrity and operational safety.

Phone available

Triumph Group

Triumph Group designs, engineers, manufactures, tests, and repairs complete landing gear systems and components. The company provides a broad portfolio of aerospace and defense systems, offering comprehensive solutions for both military and commercial platforms from its numerous U.S. facilities.

Phone available

Whip Actuation Systems

Whippany, NJ

Whip Actuation Systems manufactures specialized extend, retract, and uplock actuators for landing gear systems. These critical components are integral to the operation of landing gear on large commercial airlines, facilitating the release, retraction, and locking of the gear in place.

Phone available

W Machine Works

San Fernando, CA

W Machine Works is a process-based manufacturing company specializing in the aerospace & defense industry. Based in San Fernando, CA, they leverage palletized 5-axis mills to produce parts for programs like the F-35, 737Max, and A350. The company holds ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications, emphasizing quality and lead time reduction.

Phone available

Albany Engineered Composites

Albany Engineered Composites designs and manufactures advanced materials-based engineered components. They focus on demanding aerospace applications, providing solutions for both commercial and military platforms. The company develops components vital for aircraft structural integrity and stability, distributing loads during flight for safe operations.

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ALIGN PRECISION

North Plains, OR

Based in North Plains, OR, ALIGN PRECISION specializes in precision manufacturing for aerospace and defense OEMs. They produce fracture-critical structural components and subassemblies from hard metals and exotic materials, meeting tight tolerances for demanding applications.

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GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace manufactures complex airframe and engine structures, electrical interconnection systems, and transparencies for global aerospace programs. The company is a key supplier of landing gear components, providing integrated solutions for a wide range of aircraft platforms.

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Heico

Heico manufactures critical aircraft components and aerospace systems, serving major airlines, original equipment manufacturers, and the U.S. military. The company provides specialized parts and systems for various aerospace applications, playing a key role in the defense and commercial aviation sectors.

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Qarbon Aerospace

Qarbon Aerospace manufactures composite components and assemblies for advanced commercial and military aircraft. The company provides turnkey composite manufacturing solutions for structural and engine component needs. Operating US-based facilities, it serves fixed-wing and rotary aircraft customers with a focus on design optimization.

No contact on file

Signia Aerospace

Thornton, CO

Based in Thornton, CO, Signia Aerospace is an integrated partner specializing in the manufacture and delivery of highly specialized aircraft systems and components. Its brands include Cleveland Wheel & Brake Systems, which produces wheels, brakes, and brake systems critical for landing gear. The company also addresses thermal management and external cargo handling needs.

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How to Choose a Company

  • Verify their NADCAP scope of accreditation. For critical components like shock struts, ensure their approvals cover all relevant special processes – e.g., heat treatment of high-strength steels, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) or magnetic particle inspection (MPI), and chemical processing for corrosion protection.
  • Scrutinize their experience with your specific material alloys. Landing gear often uses exotic materials like specific grades of titanium, maraging steels, or custom aluminum alloys. A supplier must demonstrate proven machining expertise and in-house or certified external processing capabilities for these materials, including appropriate tooling and quality control.
  • Assess their design authority vs. build-to-print capability. If your project requires engineering input for design optimization, DFM, or even full system design, ensure the manufacturer has a qualified design team and relevant certifications like FAA Part 21 Production Certificate (PC) holders or an ODA (Organization Designation Authorization). For build-to-print, focus on their strict adherence to drawing specifications and quality systems.
  • Confirm their fatigue and cycle testing capabilities. Landing gear components are subject to immense cyclic loads. A strong supplier should either have in-house testing facilities for retraction/extension cycles, drop tests, and dynamic load testing, or strong partnerships with certified aerospace testing labs. Request evidence of their process for documenting test results and failure analysis.
  • Look for OEM-specific qualifications. Many major aircraft manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream) have their own extensive supplier qualification programs. If your landing gear is for a specific platform, verify if the potential supplier is already on that OEM's Approved Supplier List (ASL) or has successfully navigated similar qualification processes.
  • Red Flag: Be wary of manufacturers who can't provide detailed traceability for raw materials, especially for forgings or castings. Failure to provide mill certifications, original heat lot numbers, and evidence of full material flow-down from ingot to finished component is a major compliance and safety risk, particularly with aerospace-grade materials susceptible to internal defects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certifications are non-negotiable for a landing gear manufacturer?

At a minimum, AS9100 quality management system certification is essential. Beyond that, NADCAP accreditation is critical for all special processes involved, such as heat treatment, non-destructive testing (NDT), welding, chemical processing, and surface enhancement (e.g., shot peening). For design authority, a Part 21 Production Certificate or ODA is often required, while for MRO, FAA Part 145 repair station certification is key.

How does a manufacturer demonstrate competence in handling high-strength aerospace alloys common in landing gear?

Competence is shown through specific experience with materials like 300M steel, Custom 455, or specific titanium grades. They should detail their machining parameters, tooling investments, in-house metallurgical testing capabilities, and robust process controls to prevent issues like hydrogen embrittlement during plating or residual stress during heat treatment. Ask for case studies or component examples.

What's the typical lead time difference between sourcing a build-to-print landing gear component versus a full system design and build?

Build-to-print components, assuming raw material availability, can range from 12-24 weeks depending on complexity and special processes. A full system design and build, including engineering, prototyping, qualification testing, and production ramp-up, can easily span 18-36 months or even longer for entirely new aircraft programs, due to the extensive validation and certification requirements.

How do I ensure a potential supplier understands the dynamic load and fatigue requirements for landing gear?

Look for their engineering team's experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress and strain mapping, as well as their familiarity with industry standards like MIL-A-8860 and MIL-A-8861 for aircraft structural design. They should demonstrate robust testing protocols, including static load tests, drop tests, and cyclic fatigue testing to validate design and manufacturing integrity against specified operational parameters.

What's the biggest pitfall when moving from prototype landing gear components to full production?

The most common pitfall is underestimating the scalability of special processes and the supply chain for aerospace-grade raw materials. A prototype might rely on readily available stock, but production volumes require dedicated material allocations, qualified sub-tier suppliers for processes like forging or casting, and a robust quality system that can consistently replicate complex processes without deviations, ensuring full traceability at every step.

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