How to Test Falcon 7X Hydraulic Systems with Tronair HPUs
Key Takeaways
- The Dassault Falcon 7X's three independent hydraulic systems – A, B, and C – each require separate ground connections during testing, making two Tronair HPUs a requirement for a complete hydraulic system check. A single unit cannot service all three systems without risking cross-feed and improper air venting.
- The Tronair 5Q11 triple-system HPU connects to aircraft Systems A and C via HPU Systems 1 and 2, and supports dedicated RAT (Ram Air Turbine) testing via HPU System 3 using the AGE17075A Ground Test Tool and KHC-2046 Falcon 7X couplings.
- The Tronair 5J11 single-system HPU is dedicated to Falcon 7X System B. Both units include return sight glasses for visual monitoring of return fluid for air during testing.
- When using the 5Q11, always configure the unit to draw from the HPU reservoir – not the aircraft reservoir. This prevents cross-feed between Systems A and C and allows system air to vent to the atmosphere through the return sight glass.
- Four optional accessories – the RAT Actuator Adjustment Tool, Self-Cleaning Circulation Kit, Fluid Contamination Monitor, and K-2339 Inline Sensors (one per HPU) – are recommended for comprehensive and accurate Falcon 7X hydraulic system testing.
The Dassault Falcon 7X features three independent hydraulic systems – designated Systems A, B, and C – powered by five engine-driven pumps. This redundant architecture is central to the aircraft's safety and operational reliability, but it also creates a specific ground maintenance requirement: no single hydraulic power unit (HPU) can service all three systems simultaneously. Fully testing the Falcon 7X hydraulic system requires two separate Tronair HPUs, each configured for specific system connections.
This guide covers the correct HPU configuration, operating procedures, and recommended accessories for complete Falcon 7X hydraulic system testing.
Why Does the Falcon 7X Require Two HPUs?
The Falcon 7X's three-system hydraulic architecture requires independent pressure and return connections to each system during ground testing. Systems A and C can be handled simultaneously using a triple-system HPU, while System B requires its own dedicated unit. Using a single HPU for all three systems would risk cross-feeding between systems and prevent proper air from venting from the hydraulic fluid.
To address this, Tronair developed a two-unit solution for the Falcon 7X: the 5Q11 triple-system HPU and the 5J11 single-system HPU.
Required Equipment
1. Tronair 5Q11 – Triple-System HPU
The Tronair 5Q11 is configured as a triple-system HPU, with three sets of pressure and return hoses, an hour meter, a pyrometer, and a high-displacement hand pump for post-test fluid replenishment.
HPU Systems 1 and 2 connect to the pressure and return lines of aircraft Systems A and C. Both are equipped with Falcon couplings and return sight glasses, allowing technicians to visually monitor for air in the return fluid during testing.
HPU System 3 is dedicated to ram air turbine (RAT) testing. It connects to the Falcon 7X RAT via a set of KHC-2046 Falcon 7X couplings to the AGE17075A Ground Test Tool. HPU Systems 1 and 2 are not used during RAT testing.
2. Tronair 5J11 – Single-System HPU
The Tronair 5J11 is configured as a single-system HPU, with one set of pressure and return hoses, one set of Falcon couplings, an hour meter, a pyrometer, and a drip pan. This unit connects to Falcon 7X System B pressure and return lines and also includes a return sight glass for visual monitoring of the return fluid.
Operating Instructions
For a complete Falcon 7X hydraulic system test:
- Connect the 5Q11 HPU to aircraft Systems A and C.
- Connect the 5J11 HPU to aircraft System B.
- For RAT testing only, use HPU System 3 on the 5Q11 to connect and test the RAT via the AGE17075A Ground Test Tool. HPU Systems 1 and 2 are not used during RAT testing.
Important – reservoir configuration: When using the 5Q11, configure the unit to draw from the HPU reservoir rather than the aircraft reservoir. This prevents cross-feeding between Systems A and C and allows any air in the system to vent to the atmosphere. The 5Q11 does not include a vacuum degassing system; it relies on returning fluid venting to the HPU reservoir naturally. The return sight glass at the rear of the unit allows technicians to visually verify that air is being cleared from the return fluid during testing.
After testing is complete, use the high-displacement hand pump on the 5Q11 to replenish the fluid level in each reservoir.
Recommended Accessories
The following optional items are recommended for complete and accurate Falcon 7X hydraulic testing:
- 13-6615-6000 Ram Air Turbine Actuator Adjustment Tool – Used during Falcon 7X RAT testing.
- KHC-4006 Self-Cleaning Circulation Kit – One kit is compatible with both the 5Q11 and 5J11.
- 06-5051-6500 Fluid Contamination Monitor – One unit is compatible with both the 5Q11 and 5J11.
- K-2339 Inline Sensor (2 required – one per HPU) – Installed on the return line of each HPU to take real-time fluid samples for contamination testing.
The Bottom Line
For technicians maintaining the Dassault Falcon 7X, having the correct HPU configuration isn't a matter of preference – it's a requirement for accurate, compliant hydraulic system testing. Tronair's 5Q11 and 5J11 provide the aircraft-specific tooling needed to service all three hydraulic systems correctly, including the RAT, while preventing cross-feed and enabling proper air venting throughout the process.
Pilot John International® (PJi®) is your authorized source for the Tronair 5Q11, 5J11, and all compatible Falcon 7X hydraulic test accessories. Contact our aviation specialists by phone, email, or live chat for configuration guidance and ordering support.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for reference only. Always consult the current Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and applicable Tronair operating manuals for up-to-date procedures before performing any maintenance.
