Complete Solutions from MACCON for Aerospace

MACCON has been a powerful and reliable engineering partner and system supplier for the aerospace industry for decades.

Aerospace

MACCON has been an engineering partner and system supplier for the aerospace industry for decades. We combine high-performance electric motors, sensors, drives and controllers into customized motion solutions – from individual components to fully qualified subsystems.

Our goal is to provide precise, reliable and long-term available motion-control solutions for the most demanding environments. Since 1982, MACCON has been a proven partner for motion-control technology in aerospace programs and has contributed to numerous missions in space, astronomy and aviation.

Below, we present our experience and expertise in these application areas, followed by the key technologies we offer for demanding aerospace projects.

Space

MACCON motors and drive electronics are used in space, in satellites and even on the International Space Station ISS. Wherever fast and precise actuation is required in spacecraft, our motion solutions are used.

For example, we have supplied components for the following applications:

  • Scanner systems, such as scan mechanisms for satellites
  • Centrifuges and flywheel drives, such as reaction wheel assemblies for attitude control
    Robotic and deployment mechanisms, such as
  • robotic arms and satellite deployment systems

 

These are just a few examples of the many space programs in which our motors and drives have been used – from scientific instruments to orbital support systems.

Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS). Image credit: ESA/Mlabspace
Image credit: Giant Magellan Telescope – GMTO Corporation.

Astronomy

MACCON also supports applications in astronomy and space science. Our motion-control solutions enable the precise positioning and control of observatory equipment, both on Earth and in orbit.

In particular, we provide systems for the following areas:

  • Telescope and antenna positioning – high-torque drives for moving and stabilizing large antenna dishes
  • Chopper and cover mechanisms – motorized mirror choppers and protective covers for telescopes

 

Our technology has been used, for example, in projects such as the SOFIA airborne infrared telescope and ground-based radio telescopes, ensuring precise and reliable motion under extreme conditions.

Aviation

In the aviation sector – for civil and military aircraft – MACCON supplies motors and actuators for a wide range of onboard systems. Our focus is on electromechanical solutions that improve efficiency, precision and controllability in aircraft.

Examples of aviation applications include:

  • Fuel-feed control systems – precision motors for regulating and metering fuel pumps
  • 400 Hz motors and generators – high-frequency rotating machines for aircraft systems
  • Primary and secondary flight controls – servo actuators for ailerons, flaps, rudders and spoilers
  • Electric seat adjustment – compact actuators for adjusting and reclining aircraft seats

 

Our electromechanical actuators are used in both cockpit controls and airframe systems, increasingly replacing older hydraulic or manual mechanisms. This improves reliability, controllability and weight efficiency.

AIRBUS A380. Image credit: AIRBUS

Your Partner for “Motion Under Control” in Aerospace

From space missions to state-of-the-art aircraft, MACCON is committed to keeping motion in aerospace precisely under control.

We offer not only high-end components, but also complete system solutions. In doing so, we use our many years of expertise, engineering know-how and network of renowned partners to reliably meet demanding specifications.

Our motion-control solutions help aircraft manufacturers, satellite developers and research institutions achieve their goals quickly, precisely and reliably. This makes MACCON an experienced partner for advanced motion-control technology in aerospace – with innovative, future-proof systems that perform reliably when it matters most.

Technology Blocks

To meet the diverse requirements of aerospace applications, MACCON offers a comprehensive range of motion-control technologies.

We cover all essential building blocks of advanced servo systems – from motors and sensors to drive electronics and complete actuator units. Thanks to our in-house development and design expertise, combined with cooperation with selected partners, we are able to design, adapt and integrate the right solution for each project.

Below you will find our core technological competencies in the aerospace sector.

1

One of our core competencies is the development and manufacture of high-performance electric motors. We realize custom electric motors in various form factors and sizes, optimally adapted to the specific requirements of aerospace applications.

Our offering includes:

  • Torque motors in various sizes
  • Linear motors in different lengths for direct linear motion
  • Curved motors in 2D and 3D designs for curved or rotating linear motion
  • Voice coil motors for short strokes with high force
  • Stepper motors, including hybrid and permanent magnet stepper motors

 

In addition to standard designs, MACCON also manufactures special space-qualified motors optimized for operation in vacuum and radiation environments. These include zero-cogging motors for exceptionally smooth motion, quadriplex motors for redundant drive systems and advanced switched reluctance motors for high reliability.

Such custom motors are used, for example, in reaction wheels, gimbal drives and other critical space mechanisms.

 

2

MACCON offers a broad range of feedback sensors that can be combined with our motors and servo systems. Precise and robust sensor technology is essential for reliable motion control, especially in aerospace.

Our sensor portfolio for servo applications includes:

  • Tachometers for speed feedback and speed control
  • Resolvers and rugged transducers for absolute position detection, even under harsh conditions
  • Optical encoders for high-resolution digital angular feedback
  • Magnetic encoders as contactless sensors for demanding environments
  • Capacitive encoders for precise position measurement without magnetic signature
  • Absolute linear and rotary encoders for direct position measurement across the full travel or rotation range

 

These sensors are selected or designed to withstand vibration, extreme temperatures and other environmental conditions typically encountered in aerospace applications.

3

Many aerospace applications require electromechanical actuators to convert electrical energy into controlled mechanical motion – for example, to move control surfaces or deploy mechanisms.

Linear and rotary motions that were previously often implemented using hydraulic or pneumatic systems are increasingly being replaced by electromechanical actuators. Compared with conventional hydraulic or pneumatic systems, they offer several key advantages:

  • Higher dynamic performance: more dynamic and responsive motion control
  • Better controllability: precise control of position, speed and force via electronics
  • Energy efficiency: power consumption only when needed, without idle losses
  • Clean and leak-free operation: no hydraulic fluids, no oil leaks and no fluid maintenance
  • Compact performance: high force and torque output in smaller and lighter designs

Our actuators can deliver forces of up to 200,000 N and torques of up to 6,000 Nm.

MACCON develops complete servo actuator assemblies that make use of these advantages – for example, for aircraft landing gear, control surfaces or demanding space mechanisms. We integrate motors, sensors and control electronics into a coordinated overall solution.

Our designs often include redundant motors or dual-drive architectures in order to meet the high safety requirements of aerospace applications.

4

MACCON develops and supplies advanced drive electronics and controllers for aerospace applications. Our electronic controllers and drives are used, among other things, in space satellites and large ground-based telescopes, where maximum reliability and precise control are essential.

This custom electronics handles tasks such as motor commutation, feedback signal processing and communication with control computers in spacecraft, aircraft or ground-based systems. All designs undergo comprehensive environmental testing – including vibration, temperature and vacuum tests – to ensure that they meet the high requirements of aerospace applications.

Beyond individual components, MACCON is capable of supplying turnkey motion-control systems. We take responsibility for complete projects, including:

  • System design and simulation – preliminary engineering to meet the respective application requirements
  • Hardware and software development – development of custom electronics and embedded software
  • System integration and testing – assembly of components into a qualified subsystem and verification of performance

 

By supporting the entire development cycle, we ensure that all components of the motion solution work together seamlessly and meet the required quality and performance targets. The MACCON team has decades of experience in delivering integrated systems – from initial concept through to qualification.

Contact

Do you have any questions or would you like some advice?

Please feel free to send us your technical requirements or questions in writing using the contact form linked below. We will get back to you as soon as possible after receiving your enquiry.

Kontaktieren Sie uns!

Get in touch!