This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides the hydraulic and flight-control system designer with the various design options and techniques that are currently available to enhance the survivability of military aircraft.

The AIR addresses the following major topics:

a. Design concepts and architecture

b. Design implementation

c. Means to control external leakage

d. Component design

Purpose

This document provides the system design engineer with information and design considerations to enhance the airborne hydraulic and control system survivability under combat conditions.

Field of Application

This AIR will attempt to address the following threats:

a. Typical small arms fire (5.56, 7.62, 12.7, and 14.5 mm AP)

b. Cannon (20, 30, and 40 mm API/HEI)

Protection against missiles and non-ballistic threats is beyond the scope of this AIR. This is because except for electronic counter-measures or evasive maneuvers, no practical technology exists which allows an aircraft control and hydraulic system to survive a direct hit by a missile or large caliber anti-aircraft projectile.