Woodward (NASDAQ:WWD), a global leader in control solutions for the aerospace and industrial sectors, announced on April 15, 2026, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its pilot controls product line and associated services to Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing.
The move is part of Woodward’s broader multi-year strategy to streamline its portfolio and reallocate resources toward high-growth core portfolios in commercial and defense aerospace.
The divestiture includes a comprehensive portfolio of pilot controls, such as throttle quadrant assemblies, rudder pedals, and passive side sticks.
These components, which are currently manufactured at Woodward’s facility in Niles, Illinois, are critical to the operation of a wide array of civil and military aircraft.
By transferring these lines to Ontic—a company that specializes in supporting legacy and mature aerospace platforms—Woodward aims to ensure continued long-term support for its customers while focusing its internal engineering on next-generation energy and motion control systems.
Under the terms of the agreement, Woodward will remain a vital part of the product life cycle as the sole supplier of certain engineered electromechanical components for the pilot controls line under a long-term supply arrangement.
Additionally, Woodward has committed to providing transition services for a period of 9 to 12 months following the closing of the transaction to maintain delivery continuity for global aircraft manufacturers and operators.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.