Nonflammable Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Development

To eliminate the hazards associated with hydraulic fluid fires resulting from aircraft accidents and component failures, the Air Force established a program to develop a nonflammable aircraft hydraulic system using a nonflammable fluid over the -45°C to 135°C (-65°F to 275°F) temperature range. The Air Force is developing a chlorotrifluoroethylene oligomeric based fluid, compatible elastomeric seals, and necessary hydraulic component/system redesign. The status of this program is discussed which includes a summary of the flammability tests, fluid and seal development and performance testing of candidate materials in hydraulic components/systems.