FEMSAN electromechanical actuators: from RCWS to GÖKBEY
FEMSAN’s electromechanical actuators form the company’s second main product field, built on top of its servo motor technology. According to public sources, the company has developed the actuators of remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS), the nose landing gear wheel centering lock mechanism of the GÖKBEY helicopter, and high power density electromechanical actuators for satellite launch systems. These products are defense-sector examples of the shift toward electric actuation, which reduces the maintenance and integration burden compared with hydraulic systems.
What is an electromechanical actuator?
An electromechanical actuator is a drive unit that converts the rotary motion of an electric motor into linear or angular movement through elements such as a gearbox, a lead screw or a belt and pulley. What sets it apart from hydraulic and pneumatic counterparts is that its only power source is electricity, with no fluid lines required. Typical defense applications include weapon turret traverse and elevation, hatch and ramp movement, landing gear locks and control surface actuation.
| Application | FEMSAN’s role (publicly known) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Remote controlled weapon stations | Domestic supply of actuators; the SARP family is cited in press reports | SAHA Istanbul/AA, Dünya |
| GÖKBEY (T625) helicopter | Development and qualification of the nose landing gear wheel centering lock mechanism | SAHA Istanbul/AA |
| Satellite launch systems | High power density electromechanical actuator | SAHA Istanbul/AA |
| Guided munitions | Motors used in fin actuation | SAHA Istanbul/AA |
Actuators in remote controlled weapon stations
In RCWS-type systems, movement of the weapon in azimuth and elevation is carried out by actuators that maintain precise position control even under the recoil load of firing. According to a report published through SAHA Istanbul, FEMSAN’s localization work made it possible to source these actuators domestically. Press coverage of the concordat process stated that the company works on ASELSAN’s SARP system; the contract scope at system level is not officially disclosed. The motor technology at the core of the actuator is described in the servo motor file.
Aviation application: the GÖKBEY landing gear mechanism
FEMSAN has announced that it developed and qualified the nose landing gear wheel centering lock mechanism on the GÖKBEY platform. Because landing gear mechanisms directly affect flight safety, they undergo verification testing under aviation authority requirements and the AS9100 quality management system. The company’s other aviation work includes supplying alternators to unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturers; that field is covered in the alternators and power systems file.
Design approach
In applications such as an RCWS actuator, the defining design parameters are backlash, self-locking capability and manual override in the event of a power failure. Backlash directly affects aiming precision; a self-locking transmission holds the weapon’s position under firing recoil. These requirements make it necessary to select the gear ratio, screw type and brake according to the platform.
In its catalog the company positions itself as a “solution partner” rather than merely a component manufacturer, stating that it produces designs with custom windings, custom mechanical interfaces and project-specific qualification to customer requirements. On the actuator side, this approach means the motor-gearbox-brake-feedback chain is gathered under a single point of responsibility. The full product range is listed in the FEMSAN products guide.
Qualification and testing
Unlike a catalog product, a defense-grade actuator is verified against the platform’s requirement set: vibration and mechanical shock, temperature and humidity cycling, electromagnetic compatibility, and position holding under firing recoil are the main test headings. FEMSAN’s AS9100 Rev D certificate documents its aviation quality management system, while its Facility Security Clearances under the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and NATO frameworks document its eligibility to work on classified projects. The company’s use of the phrase “development and qualification” together for the GÖKBEY landing gear mechanism indicates that the product’s test process has been completed; test details are not officially disclosed. The company’s overall certificate set is listed in the corporate profile file.
Frequently asked questions
How does an electromechanical actuator differ from a hydraulic one?
Power is transmitted by an electric motor and mechanical conversion elements instead of a fluid; there is no risk of line leakage, and integration and maintenance requirements differ.
For which weapon systems has FEMSAN produced actuators?
According to press reports, it has produced actuators for remote controlled weapon stations; the SARP family is cited in coverage. The full system list is not officially disclosed.
What is the scope of the GÖKBEY work?
Development and qualification of the nose landing gear wheel centering lock mechanism; quantities and contract details have not been announced.
What does a satellite launch actuator do?
These are actuators used in launch systems for steering or mechanism actuation, expected to deliver high power relative to their mass; the details of FEMSAN’s work are not publicly available.
Which motors are used in the actuators?
Depending on the application, brushless DC or servo motors are used; FEMSAN’s BLDC product family is examined in the BLDC motors file.
Sources and verification note
Application information was compiled from company statements and the trade and business press; contract scopes are not stated because they have not been disclosed. Accessed: August 13, 2026.
- http://www.sahaistanbul.org.tr/firma-haberleri/femsan-savunma-sanayisinin-yerlilik-oranini-artiran-cozumler-sunuyor
- https://www.ilhamipektas.com/femsan-savunma-sanayi-icin-elektrikli-motorlar-uretiyor/
- https://www.dunya.com/ekonomi/aselsan-ve-roketsanla-calisan-savunma-sanayi-sirketi-femsandan-konkordato-basvurusu-haberi-787049
- https://www.sahaistanbul.org.tr/firma/femsan-elektrik-motorlari-san-ve-tic-a-s
- https://www.hannovermesse.de/apollo/hannover_messe_2023/obs/Binary/A1228817/FEMSAN%20END-2019-ENG.pdf
