Lightweight Hydraulic System Technology-8000 PSI Update

The concept of utilizing higher operating pressures for aircraft hydraulic system allows significant reductions in both weight (up to 30%) and volume (up to 40%) over currently used 3000 psi systems. The development of aircraft Lightweight Hydraulic Systems has been an ongoing Navy Research and Development program for over 12 years and is being conducted by the Naval Air Development Center at Warminster, PA. Early in the program, based on considerable theoretical and empirical data, a selection of 8000 psi was determined to be the best practical level to operate an aircraft hydraulic system. This paper discussed developments and results of evaluation of Lightweight Hydraulic Systems during the early tests, the System Compatiblity Tests and the Full-Scale Similator A-7E hydraulic system tests all of which were conducted at Rockwell - North American Aircraft Operations - Columbus.