AGK Systems - Pneumatic Systems

Question 1

Pneumatic System Advantages

Answer 1

Air is readily available

Light weight

Piston a/c can generate compressed air using compressors
~Gas Turbine engines do this via bleed air

Smaller fire risk

Question 2

Pneumatic System Disadvantages

Answer 2

Air is compressible so it can’t match hydraulic systems for speed of response and engird transmission

Difficult to seal at HP

difficult to trace leaks

Compressors can get very hot

Question 3

What do we use Pneumatics for?

Answer 3

Operating air driven gyroscopic instruments

Sensing the conditions around the a/c

Heating and cooling the cockpit, cabin and cargo compartments

Cabin Pressurisation

De-Ice and Anti-Ice

Emergency back-up energy source

Inflating cabin door seals

Pressuring Hydraulic reservoirs