This article is based on an official press release from Averna and Curtiss-Wright.

Curtiss-Wright and Averna Partner to Develop Next-Generation Aerospace Test Systems

Averna, a global leader in test and quality solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Curtiss-Wright’s Sensors & Actuation division to develop five custom aerospace test systems. Announced on March 3, 2026, this collaboration aims to support the development and qualification of Curtiss-Wright’s next-generation electromechanical actuators (MEA), a critical component in the aviation industry’s shift toward more electric aircraft architectures.

According to the official announcement, the partnership is designed to meet stringent performance and safety requirements while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency. The initiative comes as Curtiss-Wright seeks to scale its production capabilities for high-performance actuation systems used in commercial and defense aerospace sectors.

Scope of the Collaboration

The agreement focuses on the delivery of five distinct test systems that span the product lifecycle, from Research & Development (R&D) to mass production. While the specific proprietary names of the systems were not disclosed in the initial release, industry reporting indicates these systems are engineered to address the complex demands of modern flight control technology.

According to details released regarding the partnership, the systems are expected to address several critical testing phases:

• Dynamic Load & Fatigue Testing: Simulating extreme physical forces to ensure actuators can withstand flight conditions, essential for components like the Exlar FTX Series.
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation: Validating software reliability by simulating flight data for the actuator’s digital controller.
• Environmental Stress Screening (ESS): Subjecting units to extreme temperatures and vibrations to ensure compliance with aerospace standards such as DO-160.
• End-of-Line (EOL) Functional Testing: Automated final checks to verify manufacturing quality before delivery.
• Secure Data Management: A centralized platform ensuring full traceability and ITAR compliance for sensitive test data.

Brian Couch, Segment Manager for Aerospace & Defense at Averna, highlighted the technical depth of the solution in a statement regarding the deal.

“Our solution includes a customized framework, secure data management, and full integration with Curtiss-Wright’s manufacturing execution systems.”

Brian Couch, Segment Manager – Aerospace & Defense, Averna

Strategic Context: The Shift to Electromechanical Actuation

This partnership underscores a broader trend in the aerospace sector: the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to electromechanical actuators (MEA). MEAs offer significant weight savings and reliability improvements, contributing to “greener” aviation technologies. However, these systems require rigorous testing protocols that differ significantly from hydraulic predecessors, necessitating precise electrical power analysis and software validation.

Bret Sprague, Vice President and General Manager of Aerospace Actuation at Curtiss-Wright, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for meeting development targets.

“This collaboration… is critical to the success of developing our next generation of actuators while supporting our aggressive development timelines. It’s a strategic investment that strengthens our global competitiveness.”

Bret Sprague, VP/GM Aerospace Actuation, Curtiss-Wright

AirPro News Analysis

The integration of Averna’s test systems into Curtiss-Wright’s manufacturing floor represents a significant step toward “Industry 4.0” in aerospace defense. By connecting test rigs directly to a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Curtiss-Wright is likely aiming to establish a “digital thread”, a continuous flow of data that tracks a component’s history from design through testing to final installation.

Furthermore, the timing of this partnership is notable. Following Averna’s acquisition by Spherea in late 2025, Averna has leveraged increased global scale and financial backing. This allows the company to execute large-scale, multi-system contracts that require strict adherence to security protocols, such as ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance, which is vital for Curtiss-Wright’s defense contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Curtiss-Wright and Averna partnership?

The primary goal is to develop five custom test systems that will support the qualification and mass production of Curtiss-Wright’s next-generation electromechanical actuators.

Why is this partnership significant for the aerospace industry?

It highlights the industry’s move away from hydraulic systems toward electric actuation. It also demonstrates the increasing importance of secure, data-driven manufacturing environments to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

What specific technologies are involved?

The systems likely include Dynamic Load Test Rigs, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulators, and Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) units, all integrated via a secure data management platform.

Sources

• Yahoo Finance / PR Newswire