Why Accumulators Are Vital for Carrier-Based Aircraft

Recently, we shared the Secret Behind Armored Vehicle Suspension, Braking, and Recoil Mechanisms. In that insight, the role of accumulators and proper accumulator gas charging is discussed in the context of military vehicles used by ground forces.

The same rules apply to carrier-based aircraft. Accumulators are important components in carrier-based aircraft, as they are used to store and release hydraulic energy, which provide several critical benefits and functionalities for the safe operation of these complex machines.

Safe Landing Systems

While there are many examples where accumulator or gas charging plays an essential role in aviation, one that stands out for carrier-based aircraft is the landing system. Naturally, landing safely is of utmost importance for any aircraft, and landing on a short runway on a moving vessel in the middle of an ocean adds some complexity. To ensure a proper touchdown and safe deceleration, carrier-based aircraft rely on a complex landing system that includes landing struts, nose wheels, and tail hooks. These systems are responsible for absorbing and dissipating the kinetic energy generated during landing, ensuring a controlled and safe touchdown.

Landing struts, also known as landing gear struts, are structural supports that facilitate the safe touchdown and taxiing of an aircraft. The landing gear relies on a hydraulic accumulator to extended and retract of the landing gear system. These struts bear the weight of the aircraft during landing and provide shock absorption to minimize the forces transmitted to the airframe and any passengers onboard. Within those landing struts are shock absorbers that attenuate the impact forces during touchdown by compressing and dissipating that impact energy via the accumulator system that helps them operate.

Attached to that landing gear in the front of the craft is the nose wheel. Nose wheels are responsible for steering the aircraft on the ground during taxiing, as well as assisting in the rotation of the aircraft during takeoff and landing. These wheels are equipped with a steering mechanism that allows pilots to control the direction of the aircraft on the ground. This enables precise maneuvering during taxiing and ensures alignment with runways and taxiways. While the tire itself may not rely on an accumulator, it would not be able to function as needed without it.

Another component of carrier-based aircraft landing systems are tail hook mechanisms. Tail hook mechanisms are responsible for catching the arresting cable on the carrier deck. These cables rapidly decelerate the aircraft, allowing it to come to a stop within the limited runway space available on the carrier deck. When the aircraft lands and the tail hook catches the arresting cable, the aircraft is brought to a very quick stop. The very quick stopping transmits a lot of energy from the aircraft to the arresting cable. The accumulator in the tail hook absorbs a lot of the braking shock, protecting the aircraft and the crew. Not to mention, the onboard hydraulic accumulator here is what controls the tail hook during deployment and retraction. Without proper accumulator charging, the tail hook mechanisms may fail, causing serious damage to the aircraft and possibly the crew. It is through careful attention to each step in the landing process, including accumulator charging, that ensures a successful landing.

That’s why survivability is often directly linked to the reliability of accumulators, as well as the absence of frame damage due to unexpected system failures. In addition to keeping equipment in good working condition, accumulator charging also involves storing pressure for emergency use. In the event that the hydraulic braking compressor fails during a landing approach, the accumulator can deploy its stored hydraulic oil at pressure to quickly bring the aircraft to a stop. With the right charging techniques, you can trust your equipment will perform as needed, even in unexpected situations.

Ensuring Optimal Performance

Each hydraulic accumulator contains an expandable and compressible “bladder” of nitrogen gas that must be charged at high pressure (typically between 1,200 and 4,000 PSI). Ground support equipment (GSE) utilizes gas boosters extensively to top off these accumulator bladders to ensure the requisite systems are ready to release the proper energy when called upon.

To make sure carrier-based aircraft accumulators are always charged and mission-ready, militaries the world over rely on equipment powered by highly engineered and proven Haskel gas boosters. Haskel gas boosters are built to withstand the most demanding conditions, such as those present in these types of applications, and provide years of trouble-free operation. It’s one of the reasons crews currently, and have been, deploying Haskel gas boosters to support their carrier-based aircraft fleets around the world.

Contact a Haskel representative today to find out more about how we can help you meet your high-pressure gas requirements and accumulator charging needs.