Aircraft Hydraulic Fittings: Types and Usage


It's incredible to think about all the ways air has been used by mankind. The importance of aircraft engine air/fuel mixture aside, another beneficial way air is utilized in the aerospace industry is through air compressed hydraulic systems. In this article, we will discuss a small yet key component of aircraft hydraulic systems, hydraulic fittings, and go over various types and uses or ways these fittings are applied. 

Hydraulic systems transport air through hoses, pipes and tubes and withstand immense amounts of pressure. These pathways are connected or directed by hydraulic fittings. These fittings are manufactured with the highest standard of quality with important emphasis put on strength and reliability. Take for example, the amount of pressure placed on the landing gear hydraulic system of a 900,000 lb aircraft touching down on a runway. The demand for a hydraulic fitting to carry the transport of that induced expansion of pressure through one of its connections is an engineering achievement in itself.

You can currently connect a hydraulic fitting six ways, by:

1.    Threading (Threaded Fitting)

2.    Push-to-connect via collar retraction (Push-to-Connect Fitting)

3.  Flush flanges connected perpendicular to an attached pipe or tube and sealed by clamp, bolt, weld, braze and/or thread       (Flange Fitting)

4.    Crimping two ends together on a sleeve, ring, or crimp socket via crimping tool or machine (Crimp Fitting)

5.    Gaskets, rings, or ferrules that utilize compression to connect (Compression Fitting)

6.    Clamp and plain-ends allowing for hoses or tubes to be clamped or connected via adhesive, solder, weld, or other permanent means (End Fitting)

Apart from ways in which fittings are connected, there are many different types of fittings that serve various functions. Adapters, couplings, or sleeves are utilized to extend or terminate pipe lengths. Fittings like elbows, tees, and crosses serve the purpose of adding or changing direction. Reducers are fittings that connect pipes of a smaller size while nipple fittings allow for two separate fittings to be connected at each end. Lastly, we have valve fittings which serve to not only connect vessels but have an added valve for the control of flow.

Top manufacturers of the above hydraulic fittings described include The Boeing Company and Textron Inc.. These companies receive a substantial amount of revenue from the selling of hydraulic hoses and fittings. According to market analysis held in 2017, the global hydraulic hose and fitting market is poised to grow by $500 million, a CAGR of almost 5% from the forecast period of 2020 - 2024. Not bad for an adaptive piece that proves the saying, the whole is only as strong as the pieces it is made up of.

At AOG Purchasing, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the hydraulic system parts and fittings you need for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aogpurchasing.com or call us at +1-503-374-0340.


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