Woodward to Provide Actuation System for Aircraft Folding Wing Demonstrator

Woodward will also support design studies with Airbus examining hydraulic or electric power for the system.

Rhea-AI Summary

Woodward (WWD) has been selected to supply an actuation system for Airbus’ ground-based Folding Wing research demonstrator. The system includes a power delivery unit, a high-power hinge actuator and additional components to move the wing. Testing will take place at Airbus facilities in Bremen, Germany, and Bristol, U.K. The research aims to explore how longer wings can reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency for future aircraft.

Positive

• Minor pointAirbus selection gives Woodward a system supply role in the ground-based Folding Wing research demonstrator.

Negative

• None.

News Explained

Woodward now says it is supplying the complete actuation system—not merely selected to provide it—for Airbus’s ground demonstrator; hydraulic-versus-electric power remains under trade study, with no final choice disclosed.

Key Terms

hydraulic, electromechanical

2 terms

hydraulic technical

"including hydraulic or electric power for the system"

Relating to the use of liquids, typically oil or water, to transmit force or control motion in machinery and systems. A hydraulic system converts mechanical input into fluid pressure (via a pump), routes that pressurized fluid through pipes and valves, and uses cylinders or motors to turn the pressure back into controlled movement or force; as an adjective it describes components, systems, or processes that operate by or involve this fluid-under-pressure principle.

electromechanical technical

"both hydraulic and electromechanical technologies"

A device, system or process that combines electrical energy and mechanical movement to perform work or control motion, like an electric motor turning gears or a sensor triggering a valve. Investors care because electromechanical products link hardware, manufacturing complexity and maintenance costs to revenue potential; reliability, supply chains and regulation can affect earnings and valuation in companies that design, make or use these components.

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FORT COLLINS, Colo., Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Woodward (NASDAQ:WWD), a world leader in aerospace and industrial controls, has been selected to provide an actuation system in support of Airbus’ Folding Wing research activity. The ground-based demonstrator is aimed at exploring how longer wings can reduce drag and advance aerodynamic efficiency for future aircraft.

Woodward is supplying a complete system for wing actuation, including a power delivery unit, a high-power hinge actuator, and several additional components. This will be tested in Airbus’ test facilities in Bremen, Germany, and in Bristol, U.K. This also includes support for trade studies with Airbus on several design elements, including hydraulic or electric power for the system.

"We have broad capabilities in both hydraulic and electromechanical technologies to contribute to the future of flight," said Jon Geisheimer, Vice President and General Manager of Electromechanical Systems and Electronics at Woodward. "This provides options for customers as we work closely with them to develop the solution that best fits the application. We’re excited to bring our expertise and innovation speed to the Folding Wing demonstrator."

About the Folding Wing demonstrator

Airbus’ ground-based folding wing demonstrator is exploring the technology that would allow wings to fold and lock during taxi to fit within existing airport gate infrastructure. Meeting the target performance requires a larger folding portion of the wing than that on current aircraft, which is a defining feature of next-generation aircraft design.

Folding wings are emerging as a key element of the next generation of commercial aircraft, enabling more aerodynamically efficient designs. Being selected to provide the actuation system for the ground-based Folding Wing demonstrator positions Woodward as a trusted partner in shaping that future and supporting the industry’s work in advancing next-generation aircraft technologies.

About Woodward

Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Our purpose is to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion, and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Visit our website at www.woodward.com.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Regina
VP Communications
+1 970-559-8840
jennifer.regina@woodward.com

Investor Relations:
Dan Provaznik
Director, Investor Relations
970-498-3849
Dan.Provaznik@Woodward.com

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What will Woodward supply for Airbus’ Folding Wing demonstrator?

Woodward is supplying a complete wing actuation system, including a power delivery unit, a high-power hinge actuator and several additional components. The system will be tested at Airbus facilities in Bremen, Germany, and Bristol, U.K.

What design studies will Woodward support for Airbus’ Folding Wing demonstrator?

Woodward will support studies with Airbus on several design elements, including whether to use hydraulic or electric power for the system.