Precision Components Innovative Wire Race Bearings Deliver Lightweight Precision for Defence and Aerospace Applications

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Franke GmbH

GGB Heilbronn GmbH

As defence and aerospace systems evolve towards lighter, smarter, and more resilient designs, every component must deliver maximum performance under extreme conditions. German manufacturer Franke has developed advanced wire race bearings that redefine precision, load capacity, and weight optimisation for demanding environments — from radar and targeting systems to heavy armoured vehicles and maritime surveillance platforms.

Defence and safety technologies are among the world’s most demanding and innovation-driven sectors. Components must operate reliably under conditions involving shock loads, rapid temperature shifts, and continuous vibration — where even the smallest failure can have mission-critical consequences. Among these, bearings play a central role in ensuring smooth, precise, and durable operation.

Rolling bearings are essential across a wide range of defence applications: in precision optics, radar systems, rotating turrets, and heavy drive modules. Their main purpose is to minimise friction between moving parts, allowing controlled and efficient rotation even under heavy mechanical stress. In radar systems, they enable accurate positioning and tracking of aerial or surface targets; in tank turrets and vehicle systems, they ensure smooth, safe rotation despite uneven terrain and heavy payloads.

Because they directly influence operational safety, fuel consumption, and service life, the reliability of bearings is a decisive factor for the performance and cost-effectiveness of military platforms. A single bearing failure can lead to serious safety or mission risks, making high-precision, load-optimised designs indispensable.

Wire Race Bearings: Lightweight and Robust

Franke has established itself as a leading supplier of wire race bearings for defence and safety technology. Unlike traditional ball bearings, where rolling elements move along solid rings, wire race bearings use precision-engineered wire raceways. This design reduces weight substantially while maintaining high load capacity and flexibility in geometry — an advantage particularly valuable in aerospace and defence, where every gram counts.

A key strength of Franke’s wire race bearings lies in their resilience to extreme shock and vibration, making them suitable not only for ground and airborne systems but also for maritime applications such as submarines and naval surveillance systems. Their corrosion-resistant coatings offer optimal protection against moisture and saltwater exposure — essential in naval operations where standard bearings often fail prematurely.

Precision in Confined Spaces

Franke’s defence portfolio includes compact, high-precision designs for applications where space is limited, such as targeting systems, stabilised optics, and autonomous navigation units. With ultra-low tolerance deviations, these bearings enable exceptionally smooth micro-movements — a key requirement for optical tracking and precision-guided systems.

Thanks to their long service life and high load capacity, Franke bearings minimise maintenance intervals and reduce lifecycle costs for military operators. Designed for continuous operation under heavy load, they ensure long-term reliability and minimal downtime — crucial for mission-readiness in the field.

Tested, Certified, and Customised

Each Franke wire race bearing undergoes extensive testing and quality control before deployment, ensuring maximum operational safety and consistency. The company also provides customised designs tailored to specific defence requirements — from ultra-light bearings for drones and UAVs to heavy-duty systems for armoured vehicles.

Through continuous research and development, Franke is advancing its bearing technology to meet the future demands of aerospace and defence manufacturers. With its innovative engineering approach and commitment to quality, the company has become a trusted partner for OEMs and system integrators seeking reliable, lightweight, and high-performance motion solutions.