Aircraft Hydraulic

Systems
AIAA Design Group II
 General Uses
 Used for flight control, actuation of
flaps, slats, weapons bays, landing
gear, breaks
 Provides the extra force required to
move large control surfaces in heavy
aerodynamic loads.
 General Specifications
 Several different Fluids
• MIL-H-5606, MIL-H-83282, and MIL-H-
81019
• General Temperature Ranges : -65°F to 295°F
 Pressures:
• Airbus A380 has 5000psi hydraulic system
• Typical commercial airline pressure is 3000 psi

•http://aerospace.eaton.com/news.asp?articledate=06/01/03
&NewsCommand=ViewMonth
•http://www.tpub.com/content/aviation/14018/css/14018_17
8.htm
 Possible Improvements
 Electric Actuators
• Consists of a small electric motor, pump
and actuator ram requiring about 1 pint
of hydraulic fluid
• Flight tested by NASA’s Dryden Flight
Research Center on a modified F-18.
• Provides significant weight savings by
eliminating pumps and hydraulic lines
• Also could decrease required
maintenance
Reference: NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. News
Release 98-84
Electro – Mechanical Actuator

Reference: Air Force Research Laboratory

http://www.afrlhorizons.com/Briefs/0006/VA9902.html
 Impact on Design
 Need to allow sufficient space for
required hydraulic systems
 Weight of the system must be
accounted for