Wherever You Go, Fluid Power Goes Too
A Brief History of Pneumatics in Aviation — and a Scott Family Connection
Pneumatics have played a crucial role in the evolution of aviation, dating back to the early 20th century. By the 1920s and 1930s, as aircraft design advanced rapidly, pneumatic systems emerged as a practical solution for enhancing performance and reliability, especially when weight was a critical factor.
One of the earliest and most widespread applications of pneumatics in aviation was in braking systems and retractable landing gear. Compressed air made it possible to actuate these components with greater reliability and reduced weight compared to the hydraulic systems available at the time.
Key Milestones in Aviation Pneumatics:
- 1920s–1930s: Pneumatics gained popularity in both commercial and military aircraft, particularly for applications such as brakes and landing gear.
- World War II: The use of both pneumatic and hydraulic systems expanded significantly, supporting control of flight surfaces, braking systems, landing gear, and other essential components.
As aviation technology progressed, hydraulics eventually overtook pneumatics in many applications due to their higher power density and superior reliability. Still, pneumatic systems continue to be used today in lighter-duty aircraft functions, such as cabin pressure controls, doors, and emergency systems.
A Personal Connection to Aviation Innovation
Ironically - and proudly - our company's story has deep roots in this era of aviation advancement. Our founder, Roger Scott, attempted to enlist in World War II but was instead asked by the U.S. government to remain stateside. His mission? Apply his engineering expertise to the development of landing gear systems for military aircraft, including bombers, while working with Delco. His contributions during the war laid the foundation for his eventual career with General Motors and ultimately led to the establishment of Scott Industrial Systems.
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