University of New Haven University of New Haven Establishes Cutting-Edge Collaboration with Aerospace Leader

The University of New Haven has entered into a master research agreement with Capewell Aerial Systems, a South Windsor, Connecticut–based aerospace manufacturer that has more than a century of experience supporting aviation and defense operations worldwide.

The collaboration, led through the University’s Center for Innovation and Applied Technology (CIAT), will create structured semester projects and summer internships that connect students directly to real-world engineering and manufacturing challenges.

Capewell Aerial Systems combines more than 145 years of aerospace expertise with modern manufacturing, engineering, and training capabilities to deliver mission-critical aerial delivery and descent solutions across the defense, aviation, emergency response, and humanitarian sectors.

The company designs and manufactures aerial delivery platforms, parachute release systems, cargo handling solutions, and internal logistics equipment, as well as emergency descent and escape devices used in military and commercial aviation operations.

Through the master research agreement, students will engage in projects that reflect the technical and operational realities behind advanced aerial delivery and emergency egress systems. These experiences will provide exposure to engineering design considerations, manufacturing processes, testing and certification standards, and the operational requirements that shape aviation safety worldwide.

For Capewell, the partnership reinforces a long-standing commitment to cultivating technical excellence and strengthening the aerospace talent pipeline. For the University, it represents another step in aligning academic programs with high-demand industry sectors across Connecticut.

“Capewell works in an area where reliability and innovation are absolutely critical,” said Paul Lavoie, the University’s vice president of innovation and applied technology. “This agreement allows our students to contribute to projects that have real operational impact while gaining exposure to the standards and rigor required in aerospace and defense environments. Partnerships such as this help ensure that our graduates are not only technically prepared, but ready to step into industries where performance and safety matter every day.”

Capewell serves a diverse global customer base across defense, government, and commercial aviation markets. The company partners with leading aerospace manufacturers, commercial airlines, military organizations, and humanitarian operators worldwide. Its work supports mission-critical operations spanning national defense, commercial flight operations, and life-saving humanitarian efforts.

“Partnering with the University of New Haven strengthens our commitment to developing the next generation of talent in advanced manufacturing and aviation safety,” shared Jeff Kretzmer, president and general manager of Capewell Aerial Systems. “These students are stepping into real engineering challenges that mirror the work our teams perform every day in support of military and commercial aviation worldwide. We’re proud to help shape a workforce that will carry our industry forward for decades to come.”

The master research agreement establishes a framework for continued collaboration between Capewell and the University, enabling applied research initiatives, structured student engagement, and ongoing industry alignment. Through CIAT, the University connects companies with faculty expertise and emerging talent to support innovation while reinforcing Connecticut’s leadership in aerospace, manufacturing, and advanced technology sectors.

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to strengthening both industry capability and workforce readiness, ensuring that the next generation of engineers and innovators for generations to come.