ISO 18387-2019 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18387:2019 — Aerospace — Linear hydraulic utility actuator — General specifications. This International Standard sets out general design and test requirements for linear hydraulic "utility" actuators intended for use in flight-vehicle hydraulic systems (service pressure up to 35 000 kPa / 5 000 psi). It provides a common baseline of requirements to be used together with application-specific detail specifications.

Abstract

This document establishes the general requirements for a linear hydraulic utility actuator for use in flight vehicle hydraulic systems at pressures up to 35 000 kPa (5 000 psi). Requirements include design and test requirements and are intended to be used in conjunction with detailed, application-specific specifications. Certain specialist devices (for example brake pistons and landing‑gear bogie pitch trimmers) are excluded.

General information

• Status: Published — International Standard (confirmed in systematic review).
• Publication date: 27 September 2019 (published edition 1, 2019).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.080 (Aerospace engineering).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019).
• Number of pages: 47.

Scope

Specifies general requirements for design and testing of linear hydraulic utility actuators intended for flight‑vehicle hydraulic systems operating at pressures up to 35 000 kPa (5 000 psi). The standard covers design principles, performance and environmental requirements, and test methods needed to demonstrate compliance; it is intended to be supplemented by detail specifications tailored to particular applications. Specialist actuator types (notably brake pistons and landing‑gear bogie pitch trimmers) are explicitly excluded from the scope.

Key topics and requirements

• General design requirements for linear hydraulic utility actuators (loads, structural integrity, interfaces).
• Pressure rating and hydraulic compatibility (service up to 35 000 kPa / 5 000 psi).
• Materials, seals and corrosion/resistance considerations for aerospace environments.
• Environmental and durability requirements (temperature ranges, vibration, shock, endurance).
• Test requirements and qualification tests (functional performance, leakage, endurance/cycle testing, environmental testing).
• Documentation, marking, maintenance and information to be supplied by manufacturers.
• Use in conjunction with application‑specific detail specifications; delineation of specialist devices excluded from the general requirements.

Typical use and users

Used by aerospace OEMs, actuator and hydraulic‑system manufacturers, suppliers, qualification and test laboratories, certification authorities, systems engineers, procurement and MRO organizations. It serves as the baseline general specification when preparing procurement, qualification and maintenance documentation for linear hydraulic utility actuators in aircraft and other flight vehicles.

Related standards

ISO 18387:2019 is intended to be used alongside application‑specific detail specifications and other aerospace hydraulic standards and documents covering hydraulic motors, pumps and system‑level requirements (examples of related ISO work in the aerospace hydraulic domain include ISO 22181 on hydraulic motors and ISO 18170 on hydraulic pumps/specifications). Users should also consider applicable airworthiness regulations and industry (OEM/Supplier) detail specifications when applying ISO 18387.

Keywords

linear hydraulic actuator, utility actuator, aerospace, hydraulic actuator, design requirements, test requirements, actuator qualification, ISO/TC 20/SC 10.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18387:2019 is an International Standard that establishes general design and test requirements for linear hydraulic utility actuators used in flight‑vehicle hydraulic systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general design principles, performance and environmental requirements, and test/qualification requirements for utility actuators up to 35 000 kPa (5 000 psi). It is intended to be used with application‑specific detail specifications and excludes certain specialist devices such as brake pistons and landing‑gear bogie pitch trimmers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Aerospace OEMs, actuator and hydraulic system manufacturers, test and qualification laboratories, certification bodies, systems and mechanical engineers, procurement and maintenance organizations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was published in September 2019 (Edition 1) and was reviewed and confirmed in the 2024–2025 systematic review cycle (confirmed on 14 January 2025), so the 2019 edition remains current.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 18387 is a general (baseline) specification intended to be used with application‑specific detail specifications developed by ISO/TC 20/SC 10 and by OEMs or procurement authorities; it sits alongside other aerospace hydraulic standards covering motors, pumps and system requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Linear hydraulic utility actuator; aerospace actuator; hydraulic design; actuator testing; actuator qualification; ISO/TC 20/SC 10.