A linear drive which is particularly suitable for drive axles of parallel structures such a hexapod arrays, comprises a carrier housing (5) and a carrier (4) that can be moved lengthwise in relation to said carrier housing, both the carrier housing and the carrier having provided thereon drive elements (11, 6) such as electrical coils or magnets. In order to achieve a highly dynamic drive performance, the carrier takes the form of a lightweight profiled body with an open cross-sectional profile. The drive elements (6, 11) on the carrier side and on the housing side, respectively, are preferably provided within the open areas of the cross-sectional profile.