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Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Cylindrical roller bearings in aerospace applications

31 Mar 2026

The aerospace industry places extremely high demands on precision, reliability, and stability. Even a minor component failure can have a significant impact on system security.

Cylindrical roller bearings therefore are among the key components in the aerospace industry. They ensure the stable mounting of rotating parts in aircraft, helicopter, turbine, and space systems.

The roller design provides a larger contact area between the rolling elements and the raceways. As a result, the bearings are capable of withstanding high radial loads while ensuring the precise and stable operation of mechanisms that are critical to the safe operation of aviation systems.

Cylindrical roller bearing applications

Cylindrical roller bearings utilization in the aerospace sector includes a number of critical systems where maximum reliability is essential. Bearings are mainly used in:

  • aircraft turbine engines,
  • aircraft transmission systems,
  • helicopter rotor mechanisms,
  • flight control systems,
  • mechanisms of satellites and space equipment.

These applications require high manufacturing precision, high-quality materials, and strict quality control.

Types of cylindrical roller bearings 

Cylindrical roller bearings differ primarily in their design, the number of rows of rollers, and their ability to handle various types of loads. The choice of a specific type depends on the application requirements, particularly the load size, rotational speed, and the required bearing stiffness

Single row cylindrical roller bearings

Single row cylindrical roller bearings contain a single row of rollers and are particularly suitable for high speeds and heavy radial loads.

In aerospace applications, they are used, for example, in: 

  • rotating parts of aircraft engines, 
  • auxiliary power units, 
  • the precise mechanisms of control systems. 

Their design ensures precise shaft guidance and stable operation even at high speeds.

Double row cylindrical roller bearings

Double row cylindrical roller bearings have two rows of rollers, which increases their load-carrying capacity and structural stability.

In aerospace applications, they are used, for example, in:

  • aircraft transmission systems, 
  • rotor mechanisms, 
  • structures where high rigidity and precision are required. 

Their robust design ensures reliable operation even under extreme vibrations and loads.

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are designed to transmit axial forces acting in the direction of the shaft axis.

In aerospace technology, they are used, for example, in:

  • turbine engines, 
  • transmission systems, 
  • propeller control mechanisms. 

Their design allows them to withstand high axial loads while maintaining the accuracy and stability of the entire system.

 

Research, development, and manufacturing of bearings at AKE Skalica

AKE Skalica is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of special and high-precision bearings for the aerospace industry. The company specializes in the manufacture of bearings for aircraft, helicopters, turbine engines, transmission systems, hydraulic equipment, and rotor systems. 

An important part of the company’s activities is the research and development of new bearing designs. The Design Department collaborates with experts in materials engineering, precision mechanics, and design to create bearings optimized for demanding aerospace deployments. 

AKE Skalica also offers flexible manufacturing, including small-batch and prototype production of bearings, which enables the testing of new designs and the development of custom solutions tailored to customer requirements. 

We focus primarily on the production of the following types of structures:

  • single row cylindrical roller bearings,
  • double row cylindrical roller bearings,
  • precision bearings for special and aerospace utiliations,
  • special bearings designed to meet customer requirements.

Bearings manufactured by AKE Skalica are produced in accordance with the strict quality requirements of the aerospace industry, ensuring their high reliability under demanding operating conditions. 

Conclusion

Cylindrical roller bearings are a key component of aerospace systems. Their ability to handle heavy loads while maintaining precision is crucial to the stability and safety of the entire system. In an environment where there is no room for error, the quality of the bearing plays a crucial role.

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