New Hydraulic System Technology for Future Aircraft

In the next 10 to 15 years, it is predicted that hydraulic system technology will require some major advancements to compete with other technologies and to meet new aircraft requirements. Fly-by-wire flight control systems, onboard digital computers, and other aircraft trends will act as catalysts for this new technology. This paper summarizes the results and status of ongoing research and development programs being conducted to establish new hydraulic system technology. In addition to these ongoing programs, the author provides his projections of new technology which has merit for future aircraft applications.