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Eaton Aerospace*, working as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, is participating in the development of the F-35 for the U.S. Defense Department. Part of this work involves supplying actuators to use in the state-of-the-art fighter jet. When Eaton realized that its actuator design was exceeding the jet’s size and weight specifications, the company turned to Goddard for a solution.

Researchers at Goddard have developed an innovative gear bearing for possible use in positioning telescope mirrors or handheld tools used by astronauts. Incorporating this technology into Eaton’s actuator might bring down the size and weight of the company’s product, allowing it to come within the F-35’s specifications.

Under the auspices of a Space Act Agreement signed in 2005, Eaton is designing, fabricating, and testing an actuator that incorporates Goddard’s gear bearing technology. If it is successful, Goddard’s technology will fly aboard the F-35.

In addition to the potential benefits to the F-35, NASA also stands to benefit from the agreement. Eaton’s work will advance the technology readiness level (TRL) for Goddard’s gear bearings as well as reduce NASA’s costs for flight-qualifying the technology. TRL advances also will accelerate the use of gear bearings in NASA’s many potential space-exploration applications (e.g., robotics, space tools, rovers).

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