Moog Inc.
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, defense, industrial, medical |
| Founded | 1951 |
| Founder | Bill Moog |
| Headquarters | Elma, New York , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (26 countries) |
| Products | Electric, electro-hydraulic, and hydraulic motion control solutions; flight control systems; propulsion systems; servo-actuators; medical devices; navigation aids components |
| Website | www |
Moog Inc. () is a United States-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of electric, electro-hydraulic, and hydraulic motion control solutions tailored for aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical sectors. The company operates across four main divisions: aircraft controls, space and defense controls, industrial controls, and components. Moog’s corporate headquarters are located in Elma, New York, with engineering, manufacturing, and sales operations spread over 26 countries worldwide.
Bill Moog
In April 1950, Bill Moog, who was a cousin of Robert Moog—the creator of the Moog synthesizer—filed a patent application for the electrohydraulic servo valve, commonly known as the "Moog Valve." This innovation allowed for highly accurate hydraulic actuator management. The United States Patent Office granted patent number 2625136 in January 1953.
Noteworthy Projects
Moog played a critical role in developing the flight control actuation system for the B-2 Bomber and has been a leader in producing Level D flight simulators. Its technology was also adapted for use in the Spider-Man attraction at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure. In space exploration, Moog contributed propulsion systems to the Voyager probes and supplied servo-actuators for four Space Shuttle missions.
For Wimbledon’s Centre Court retractable roof, Moog engineered a sophisticated control and motion system incorporating approximately 150 axes of AC servo-driven electric actuators and motors, facilitating tennis matches after dark; an equivalent system was implemented on No1 Court as well.
Moog has investigated blockchain technology applications within aerospace supply chains via its Moog VeriPart platform, developed in collaboration with Aion Network to enable comprehensive tracking of parts throughout design, production, and maintenance phases.
In 2018, Moog teamed up with the University at Buffalo to leverage machine learning techniques—specifically convolutional neural networks—to detect defects in metal components produced through additive manufacturing.
With more than three decades of involvement in Formula 1 racing, Moog supplies high power-to-weight ratio control axes capable of supporting up to ten actuation axes per vehicle.
In 2019, Moog strategically expanded into electric propulsion by acquiring SureFly’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology from Workhorse Group Inc., marking a significant step into electric aircraft development.
Aircraft Controls
The aircraft controls segment represents Moog’s largest business area, generating revenue from military and commercial aviation markets as well as aftermarket services.
Major contracts include:
- Flight Control Computers and Primary Flight Control System for the Embraer E-Jet E2 family
- Primary and Secondary Flight Control Systems plus Components for the Airbus A350
- Primary Flight Control System for the Boeing 787
- Primary Flight Controls for the A400M
- Primary Flight Controls for the F-35
Space and Defense
Moog designs advanced technologies for satellites, space vehicles, and defense platforms such as missiles, weapons management systems, turreted weaponry, naval applications, and security/surveillance equipment.
A prominent offering is the Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP), which is integrated into the Stryker vehicle sold to the US Army by General Dynamics Land Systems.
In space propulsion systems, Moog provides both chemical and electric propulsion solutions alongside spaceflight motion control products. Its steering and propulsion components are utilized across various launch vehicles and missile systems; additionally, several parts are installed on the International Space Station.
The company manufactures both Electro-Hydraulic and Electro-Mechanical systems.
In 2012, Moog acquired American Pacific Corporation’s (AMPAC) In-Space Propulsion (ISP) division, including the LEROS liquid-propellant thrusters originally developed by Royal Ordnance in the United Kingdom. Moog maintained a production facility at Westcott, Buckinghamshire until 2017 when ISP was sold to Nammo.
Moog has contributed to numerous significant aerospace initiatives such as:
- Components for United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket
- Swing-wing mechanisms for Boeing SST
- Systems used in the Apollo mission, Space Shuttle, and International Space Station
- Ion thruster technology for Deep Space 1
- Liquid helium management parts for Gravity Probe B
- Systems for Orbital ATK
- Elements of Boeing's Space Launch System, including hardware for Artemis 1
Industrial
Moog supports the industrial market by engineering, producing, and integrating systems tailored for injection and blow molding machinery utilizing both hydraulic and electric technologies. For power generation turbines, including those used in wind energy, Moog offers control assemblies that manage fuel, steam, and variable geometry functions. The company addresses the metal forming industry with systems that regulate position, speed, and force. Additionally, heavy industry sectors depend on Moog’s hydraulic and electrical servovalves for equipment in steel and aluminum mills. In material testing markets, Moog provides control solutions for automotive, structural, and fatigue evaluations. Its hydraulic and electromechanical motion simulation platforms also underpin flight simulation and training programs. Other sectors served include material handling, motorsports—particularly Formula 1—carpet tufting, as well as paper and lumber milling.
Components
Within its components division, Moog produces parts for medical devices and expanded into marine sectors after acquiring Kaydon Corporation’s Power and Data Technologies Group in 2005. The product range encompasses electromechanical actuators, fiber optic communication modems, avionics instruments, optical switching devices, and resolvers.
In 2019, Moog initiated a project incorporating blockchain technology alongside 3D printing to enable on-demand manufacturing of aircraft components, demonstrating its innovative approach in aerospace production.
Medical devices
Moog’s medical devices segment was established through the acquisitions of Curlin Medical, McKinley Medical, and Zevex International in 2006. This segment specialized in electronic ambulatory infusion pumps and enteral feeding pumps with related administration sets designed for precise fluid delivery in applications such as nutrition support, pain relief, anesthesia, chemotherapy, and antibiotic treatments. The company further broadened its medical portfolio by acquiring Ethox International in 2009 for $15.2 million.
On July 1, 2013, Moog divested Ethox Medical’s Buffalo operations—which generated about $12 million annually and employed 88 people—to Dempsey Ventures, a private equity firm. Simultaneously, Moog engaged RBC Capital Markets to explore strategic options for the remainder of its medical devices business, including possible sale.
By 2016, Moog consolidated its remaining medical devices activities into the components division to enhance operational efficiency.
Founded in 1955, Moog Navigation and Surveillance Systems (NaSS) secured its initial Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) patents in 1962, establishing a longstanding role in military navigation technologies. Moog has developed TACAN systems for diverse military applications including fixed installations, naval vessels, mobile units, and portable man-carried devices worldwide.
The company expanded its navigation product offerings in 2009 by acquiring Fernau Avionics Ltd., gaining expertise along with Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and Direction Finding (DF) technologies.
In 2021, Moog sold its Navigation Aids (Navaids) business to Thales Group; at that time Navaids contributed less than one percent of Moog Inc.’s annual revenue.