Stores Ejection: Precision, Reliability and Mission Success
Stores Ejection is a mission-critical capability that enables the clean, reliable and repeatable release of stores from military aircraft. At Eaton's PCS business, we design and manufacture advanced gas-based systems that provide the high-pressure dry air needed to power pneumatic cold gas stores ejection systems on modern military platforms.
Eaton's PCS business is the leading manufacturer of compact on-board gas solutions, including the high-performance HiPPAG® compressor, sealed for life gas vessels and efficient ejector valve assemblies used in stores ejection. These technologies are operationally proven, with over 18,000 HiPPAG® systems sold worldwide and in service with 49 Air Forces around the world.
How it Works
The heart of our Stores Ejection solution is the HiPPAG® high-pressure pure air generator. These systems supply high-pressure cold gas to pneumatic ejection mechanisms, removing the need for pyrotechnic cartridges and other single-shot devices which need more maintenance and often leave ejection residue. By providing continuous control of system pressure, HiPPAG® enables accurate and repeatable separation of stores from the aircraft, even in demanding environments.
Our HiPPAG® 500 Series systems are designed to meet the stringent requirements of modern fast jets and can be easily installed in multi-store carriers, aircraft pylons or internal weapons bays on both manned and unmanned military aircraft platforms.
Supporting Components
Eaton's PCS business also supplies the supporting components that make up a complete stores ejection solution:
- Ejector Valves and Accumulators - designed to fit within an Ejector Release Unit (ERU), store the high-pressure dry air from HiPPAG and then release it rapidly to the ejector rams when commanded.
- High-Pressure Gas Vessels - available as sealed for life or refillable through a solenoid valve, PCS offers vessels to store pure air, nitrogen, argon gases etc for use in ejection systems. These vessels are built to military standards such as DEF-STAN 81-91 or DEF-STAN 00-970.
- Control and Integration Products - including solenoid valves, distribution manifolds and pressure regulators, they help integrate cold gas systems into a wide range of platforms.
- High-Pressure Flexible Hoses - capable of transferring dry gas across dynamic structures even under extreme conditions, complete the delivery path from the HiPPAG® generator to the ejection mechanism.
Why it Matters
Stores Ejection systems are essential in ensuring that stores, such as weapons, UAVs or other mission loads, are released from an aircraft cleanly and predictably. Using high-pressure cold gas rather than pyrotechnic devices reduces logistical burden, enhances repeatability, and increases safety by eliminating single-use cartridges and their associated handling requirements. Moreover, flexible installation options and the ability to accurately adjust the pressure (and therefore ejection force) allow these systems to be tailored to the needs of diverse aircraft types and mission profiles.
In summary, our Stores Ejection solutions combine advanced gas generation, robust storage and precise control to deliver mission success in the most demanding aerospace applications.