These Kevlar fiber-wrapped cylinders have been developed specifically for aircraft use.
The KF series cylinders are the perfect solution for cylinder installations far aft in the aircraft, where previously not possible. A thin-wall, seamless aluminum (6061-T6) alloy ‘liner-cylinder’ is reinforced by a full overwrapping of Kevlar fibers sealed in epoxy. This yields about a 50% to 60% weight savings over conventional cylinder technology without any compromise in safety.
These cylinders are preferred by many who build the state-of-the-art composite-fiber aircraft. They are made under a special permit, DOT SP 8162. If used in commercial applications or in a type-certified aircraft, the DOT service life is 15 years from date of manufacture (first hydro-test date) and hydro tests are required every 5 years.
