Air compressors are widely used in the aerospace and defense industries, such as aircraft engine manufacturing and testing, fuel injection and cabin pressurization, air conditioning and refrigeration units, and the operation of various tools and machinery.

In addition, aircraft compressors also play an important role in the ground air supply system for spacecraft launches. For example, before the rocket is launched, compressed nitrogen is used to purge the entire rocket body to ensure that everything goes smoothly for the rocket launch.

Applications of air compressor in aerospace industry

‌Air compressors are widely used in the aviation field, covering all aspects from the production to maintenance of aerospace vehicles. ‌Mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Aircraft aerodynamic supply: Aircraft compressors provide power for pneumatic valves, engine starting, hydraulic systems, cooling systems, pneumatic tools, vacuum waste treatment systems, fuel injection and delivery systems on commercial aircraft.

Environmental control: Air compressors are used in the aircraft’s environmental control system to regulate the temperature, humidity and air quality in the cabin. Maintain constant air pressure in the cabin and cockpit to provide a comfortable environment for passengers and crew members.

‌Structural and mechanical applications: Including aircraft engine manufacturing, wing structure testing, ground support equipment, wind tunnel and turbine testing, etc., all require a large amount of compressed air.

‌Air separation: Air compressors are also used for gas sampling and analysis, radioactive, toxic and expensive gas processing, semiconductor process gas processing, oxygen and nitrogen generation.

‌Military air defense uses: Including weapon system development, support and testing, as well as compressed air supply for bench testing, ground support equipment, etc.

Safety protection: Breathing air compressors in aircraft can also provide breathing air for people in dangerous situations, supply air to oxygen masks, and operate aircraft brakes and landing gear.

These applications not only reflect the technical requirements of air compressors in the aerospace field, but also demonstrate their key role in ensuring flight safety.

Types of air compressors in the aerospace industry

Air compressors are essential in the aerospace and defense industries. The aerospace industry requires pure, clean air. Even a little dust or lubricating oil droplets may contaminate the working environment or damage precision parts. Aerospace component and system manufacturers must be able to ensure consistent quality control while keeping costs low. Therefore, airplane air compressors used in the aviation industry are generally oil-free air compressors.

Oil-free air compressors can produce 100% pollution-free compressed air, providing precise pollution control required by key industries and applications. Specific to the types of air compressors, there are mainly screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, and scroll compressors.

These compressors are designed to operate around the clock without consuming too much energy, can be used for a long time and provide a continuous supply of compressed air.

(KUW Series Silent Oil Free Scroll Air Compressor)

For non-contact, low-risk compressed air for production lines, if the budget is limited, you can choose an oil-lubricated air compressor with a refrigerated dryer and a precision filter. For work that is not a critical application, an oil-lubricated jet air compressor has more advantages in terms of cost performance. But in the long run, oil-free air compressors can not only produce high-quality oil-free clean air, but also have lower maintenance and energy costs.

Explore Kotech’s air compressors

As aircraft air compressors play a vital role in aircraft manufacturing and other aerospace operations, it is important to find a solution that can guarantee the best air quality.

Choosing us, you will get market-leading technology, guaranteed air quality, and our professional CARE maintenance agreements and performance services.