Facts You Should Know About Aviation Hydraulics and Landing Gear


If you are considering immersing yourself in the aviation realm, you must familiarize yourself with a few important terms, those of which are hydraulics and landing gear. These terms play an integral role in the overall functionality of aircraft. This blog will provide a general overview of each, allowing you to better understand their importance.

To begin, aviation hydraulic systems aid aircraft in taking off, flying, and landing. Though pneumatic systems may also carry out the same functions, hydraulic systems are more popular because they are incredibly reliable. They help control and manage equipment such as brakes, flaps, thrust reversers, flight controls, and landing gear.

Hydraulic systems are often the apparatuses of choice as they offer optimal pressure to operate the aforementioned systems. Moreover, they make use of non-compressible liquids, meaning that they cause no delay in movement, unlike their counterparts. This is especially useful when dealing with the sensitivity of an aircraft and its various operations.

Hydraulic System Components

In terms of the basic components of hydraulic systems, they consist of a pump, reservoir, actuating cylinder, pressure relief valve, flow control devices, and a heat exchanger. The pump produces the necessary power to pressurize the system, while the reservoir stores the fluids in the hydraulic system. Meanwhile, the actuating cylinder aids in converting the fluid pressure and flow into mechanical force. The pressure relief valve is utilized to protect the system from becoming over-pressurized. Flow control devices, on the other hand, consist of check valves and selector valves that help direct the flow of fluids in the system. Lastly, the heat exchanger keeps the hydraulic fluid at the adequate operating temperature.

How Hydraulics Work With Landing Gear

As previously mentioned, hydraulic systems play a major role in the proper functioning of landing gear. In fact, they help control landing gear retraction systems. Pressurized hydraulic fluid aids in actuating the linkages that raise and lower the landing gear.

On smaller aircraft, the landing gear consists of three wheels. On larger planes, the landing gear has two main landing gear sets with two or four wheels. It is important to note that the number of wheels depends on the size of the aircraft and whether the nose gear is fitted with one or two wheels.

When the landing gear is in an “up” position, the hydraulic fluid is sent to the “gear up” line which triggers the landing gear to retract. When this is done, the fluid travels through a series of valves and down to the gear actuating cylinders. If the landing gear needs to be extended, the process is carried out in a similar fashion. As such, the engine or another power source can activate the pumps to pressurize the fluid in the system.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in need of hydraulic system components, valves, pumps, or other related parts, look no further than Purchasing Management 360. Purchasing Management 360 is a leading distributor of aircraft products, all of which have been sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. As we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, alongside a strict NO CHINA SOURCING pledge, customers can rest assured that the items they acquire from us are of the highest caliber. Kickoff the purchasing process with a quote request that includes all of your part requirements. Within 15 minutes of submitting an RFQ form, a dedicated representative will reach out with a customized solution that keeps your unique needs in mind. Get started today and see how Purchasing Management 360 can serve as your go-to strategic sourcing partner. For additional questions, call or email us directly; we are on standby for our customers.  


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