SABCA is active in actuation systems for years, both in aeronautics and space domain. We develop direct drive valves, hydraulic actuators and also electrical actuators. These latest years, the trend is to replace hydraulic actuators by electrical actuators (see Ariane 2010 initiative or Vega launcher). This paper first presents the advantages of the electrical actuators in comparison to hydraulic actuators. Then, it compares aeronautics applications to space applications to highlight the differences. The results of that comparative analysis are applied to a particular case, the electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA). The paper presents the design, tests and lessons learnt from an EHA for aeronautic application, and develops the test plan required to upgrade this EHA for use in space applications.
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