From the beginning, Messier-Bugatti has designed and manufactured centralised generation autoregulating pumps, giving it a unique expertise.
Because of its function, and the demands made on it, the hydraulic pump is one of the most critical elements in the systems carried on board an aircraft. Driven by the engine (mounted in the accessory box or gear box, built by Hispano-Suiza, another Snecma Group subsidiary), the pump generates the hydraulic energy needed for several vital functions. As its speed of rotation is linked directly with that the engine, it is provided with a regulating system, hence the term "autoregulator".
Generally speaking, high-pressure aeronautical hydraulic pumps use axial pistons to draw in the fluid, stored in a low pressure tank (the hydraulic tank), and discharge it under high-pressure into the piping (the circuit). The conversion of the rotational movement generated by the aircraft engine into a piston movement is dealt with by a special device. The pistons are laid out on the cylinder generator, thus forming a rotating barrel driven by the engine. The ends of the piston bear on an inclined plate, which does not rotate. During the half revolution when the plate/barrel gap increases, the piston moves, drawing in fluid. During the following half revolution, when the gap increases, it discharges this fluid.
The regulation function is obtained by inclining the plate to differing degrees, varying the maximum plate/barrel gap, and therefore the stroke of the piston and the capacity of the system.
From the outset, has designed and manufactured centralised generation self-regulating pumps, making it an expert in the field.
