An Introduction to P.T.F.E. Hose: A Description of the Development and Production of Palmer Fluoroflex Polytetrafluoroethylene Hose for Aircraft Hydraulic Systems

THE introduction into both civil and military service of high‐speed, high‐altitude, turbojet‐powered aircraft has posed some particularly formidable problems for the manufacturers of aircraft equipment. As the operational performance of aircraft has increased so too have the demands placed upon the systems. In particular, hydraulic systems must be capable of operating at higher temperatures and pressures using advanced hydraulic fluids and as a result conventional rubber hose assemblies have been developed to the limit of their operational capabilities. Recognition of the limitations of this conventional hose led the engineers of Palmer Aero Products Ltd.—the Hydraulics Section of the Engineering Products Division of BTR Industries Ltd.— to seek an alternative hose lining and construction that would substantially extend the reliability and life of hose assemblies under modern service conditions.