Skydrol 5 Hydraulic Fluid

Skydrol 5 is a low-density, fire-resistant Type V phosphate ester hydraulic fluid manufactured by Eastman for aircraft hydraulic applications. Developed for higher-temperature operation than Type IV hydraulic fluids, Skydrol 5 provides low density, high-temperature erosion resistance, and improved paint compatibility.

Business Aircraft Consumables supplies Skydrol 5 for aircraft maintenance, MRO, hydraulic-system servicing, and other applications where the specific product is approved.

Important: Skydrol 5 does not have universal airframe manufacturer approval. Always verify that Skydrol 5 is approved for the specific aircraft, hydraulic system, or component before use.

Skydrol 5 Aircraft Hydraulic Fluid

Skydrol 5 is a Type V phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluid designed for applications requiring higher-temperature performance than conventional Type IV hydraulic fluids. Eastman introduced Skydrol 5 in 1996 as the first Type V fluid qualified under the Boeing BMS 3-11 specification.

Compared with the Type IV Skydrol products, Skydrol 5 has a lower density and is formulated for higher-temperature operating conditions. Eastman also identifies improved paint compatibility as a characteristic of the product.

Skydrol 5 Features

• Type V phosphate ester hydraulic fluid developed for aviation hydraulic applications.
• Low-density formulation compared with standard-density Type IV hydraulic fluids.
• Higher-temperature capability than Type IV fluids.
• High-temperature erosion resistance for demanding hydraulic-system applications.
• Improved paint compatibility compared with earlier Skydrol formulations.
• Fire-resistant phosphate ester formulation for aviation hydraulic applications.
• Qualified under Boeing BMS 3-11 as a Type V hydraulic fluid.

Skydrol 5 Applications

Skydrol 5 is used as an aircraft hydraulic fluid in hydraulic systems specifically approved for the product. Its Type V formulation is intended for applications requiring higher-temperature performance than Type IV fluids.

Aircraft hydraulic systems can operate flight controls, landing gear, brakes, flaps, and other hydraulically powered equipment. The specific hydraulic fluid required depends on the aircraft, hydraulic system, and component approval requirements.

Do not select Skydrol 5 solely because an aircraft system uses a Type V hydraulic fluid. Verify the specific product and specification against the applicable aircraft maintenance manual, component maintenance manual, Qualified Products List, or other approved technical documentation.

Skydrol 5 Technical Properties

The following are typical physical properties published by Eastman. Typical values are provided for technical reference and should not be used as product acceptance limits or as a substitute for the manufacturer's current technical documentation.

Skydrol 5 Fire-Resistance Properties

Eastman's published aviation hydraulic-fluid comparison identifies the following typical fire-resistance properties for Skydrol 5.

Skydrol 5 vs. Type IV Skydrol Hydraulic Fluids

Skydrol 5 is a Type V hydraulic fluid, while Skydrol LD-4 and Skydrol 500B-4 are Type IV fluids. The Type V formulation was developed for higher-temperature capability and has a lower density than the Type IV products.

These products should not be selected interchangeably based only on fluid type. Aircraft and component approvals determine which specific hydraulic fluid may be used. Always follow the applicable maintenance documentation and product approval requirements.

Skydrol 5 Specifications and Approvals

Skydrol 5 was the first Type V fluid qualified under Boeing BMS 3-11. Eastman's current product information states that Skydrol 5 does not have universal airframe manufacturer approval.

Because approvals can vary by aircraft model, hydraulic system, and component, the required product should be verified against the applicable aircraft or component documentation before installation or servicing.

Skydrol 5 Shelf Life

Refer to the manufacturer's current packaging and shelf-life documentation for the applicable shelf life of Skydrol 5. Shelf life can depend on the container size, packaging date, storage conditions, and product documentation.

For a specific container, use the manufacturer's lot information, packaging date, container labeling, and current technical documentation to determine the applicable expiration date.

Skydrol 5 Handling and Safety

Skydrol 5 should be handled in accordance with the manufacturer's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and applicable workplace safety requirements.

Review the current SDS before handling the product and use the personal protective equipment and handling procedures specified by the manufacturer.

Skydrol 5 Documentation

Refer to the manufacturer's current documentation for complete technical, safety, specification, and approval information:

• Skydrol 5 Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
• Skydrol 5 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Skydrol 5 Sales Specifications
• Skydrol aviation hydraulic fluid industry approvals
• Applicable aircraft and component maintenance documentation

Ordering Skydrol 5

Business Aircraft Consumables supplies Skydrol 5 hydraulic fluid for aircraft maintenance, MRO, and approved hydraulic-system applications. Select the available package size above to check current availability and pricing.

Before ordering, confirm that Skydrol 5 is the specific hydraulic fluid approved for the intended aircraft, component, or hydraulic-system application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skydrol 5?

Skydrol 5 is a low-density, fire-resistant Type V phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluid manufactured by Eastman. It was introduced in 1996 as the first Type V fluid qualified under Boeing BMS 3-11.

What type of hydraulic fluid is Skydrol 5?

Skydrol 5 is a Type V phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluid.

What color is Skydrol 5?

Skydrol 5 is purple. Eastman's sales specification describes the product as a clear, oily liquid with a purple color comparable to the applicable standard.

What is Skydrol 5 used for?

Skydrol 5 is used as an aviation hydraulic fluid in aircraft hydraulic systems specifically approved for the product. Its Type V formulation is intended for applications requiring higher-temperature capability than Type IV fluids.

Is Skydrol 5 a Type IV or Type V hydraulic fluid?

Skydrol 5 is a Type V phosphate ester hydraulic fluid. Skydrol LD-4 and Skydrol 500B-4 are Type IV products.

Is Skydrol 5 interchangeable with Skydrol LD-4?

Not automatically. Skydrol 5 is a Type V fluid, while Skydrol LD-4 is Type IV. The specific aircraft or component documentation must be consulted to determine the approved hydraulic fluid for an application.

Does Skydrol 5 have universal aircraft approval?

No. Eastman specifically states that Skydrol 5 does not have universal airframe manufacturer approval. The applicable aircraft or component documentation should be checked before use.

Is Skydrol 5 a low-density hydraulic fluid?

Yes. Eastman's published comparison identifies Skydrol 5 as having a density of approximately 0.9737 g/cc at 25°C, compared with approximately 1.0080 g/cc for Skydrol LD-4 and 1.0532 g/cc for Skydrol 500B-4.

Does Skydrol 5 have higher-temperature capability than Type IV fluids?

Yes. Eastman identifies higher-temperature capability as one of the distinguishing characteristics of Skydrol 5 compared with Type IV fluids.