VAFN actuation system with improved drive coupling and brake

An actuation system is provided for a variable area fan nozzle assembly of an aircraft. The actuation system includes a motor configured to generate a torque; a nozzle; and a drive coupling assembly coupled to the motor and the nozzle. The drive coupling assembly includes a first position in which the torque from the motor is transferred to the nozzle to translate the nozzle and a second position in which the torque from the motor is not transferred to the nozzle. The drive coupling assembly includes a first end portion and a second end portion, the first and second end portions mating with one another in the first position and disengaged from one another in the second position.