Definition

A hydraulic system uses a fluid under pressure to drive machinery or move mechanical components.

Description

Virtually all aircraft make use of some hydraulically powered components. In light, general aviation aircraft, this might be limited to providing pressure to activate the wheel brakes. In larger and more complex aeroplanes, the use of hydraulically powered components is much more common. Depending upon the aircraft, a single hydraulic system, or two or more hydraulic systems working together, might be used to power any or all of the following components: