“Integration of Lightweight and Durable Composite Materials in Hose Design”
- Increasing integration of thermoplastic composites and aramid fibers is enhancing hose durability, flexibility, and pressure tolerance, especially under harsh operational conditions
- These materials reduce overall system weight, contributing to improved aircraft fuel efficiency and easier handling during ground operations
- Composite hoses demonstrate higher resistance to UV exposure, static build-up, and fuel degradation, making them ideal for frequent use in commercial and military aviation
- Growing demand for hoses that can support biofuel and alternative fuel compatibility is pushing manufacturers to innovate in material science
- Several aviation equipment suppliers are focusing on producing hoses that meet new environmental and mechanical benchmarks without compromising performance
- For instance, GKN Aerospace introduced high-performance lightweight hoses using reinforced polymer layers, which are now used in advanced military refuelling systems for improved fuel handling under extreme pressures
