Press Releases October 7, 2026 04:05 PM

Woodward to Provide Actuation System for Aircraft Folding Wing Demonstrator

Woodward to Supply Actuation System for Airbus’ Innovative Folding Wing Demonstrator Project

By Avery Klein
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Woodward, a leader in aerospace and industrial controls, has been selected by Airbus to provide a complete actuation system for its ground-based Folding Wing demonstrator. This project aims to test larger folding wing portions to reduce drag and enhance aerodynamic efficiency for future aircraft. Woodward’s system includes power delivery, high-power hinge actuators, and will support studies on hydraulic versus electric power technologies.

Woodward to Provide Actuation System for Aircraft Folding Wing Demonstrator
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Key Points

  • Woodward won the contract to supply the actuation system for Airbus’ Folding Wing research demonstrator, highlighting its expertise in aerospace controls.
  • The Folding Wing technology aims to enable longer wings that fold during taxi to fit existing airport gates, improving aerodynamic efficiency and potentially reducing fuel consumption in next-generation commercial aircraft.
  • Woodward’s actuation system includes both hydraulic and electromechanical technologies, providing flexible solutions for future aircraft design needs.

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
[email protected]

Investor Relations:
Dan Provaznik
Director, Investor Relations
970-498-3849
[email protected]


Risks

  • The project is still in the research and demonstrator phase, so technical challenges could delay commercialization and associated revenue for Woodward.
  • Competition in aerospace actuation systems is strong, and alternative technologies may emerge diminishing Woodward’s market share in folding wing systems.
  • Dependence on Airbus and future commercial adoption of folding wing technology introduces uncertainty about the scale and timing of Woodward’s business growth from this initiative.

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