Command / MicroForce & AxialForce

Command Propulsion & Fluid Management Systems

Ultra-lightweight Type III construction and compact packaging for propulsion and fluid-management systems. MicroForce provides the diaphragm architecture; AxialForce piston technology is coming soon.

  • Positive fluid control
  • Compact composite construction
  • Program-specific integration
Steelhead command family; representative configurations, not to scale.
Command MicroForce family0.5 L, 1 L and 2 L source photographs; representative hardware, not to scale.

Controlled Rapid Delivery.

Command MicroForce and AxialForce are positioned for lightweight, cost-effective propulsion fluid management. Diaphragm and piston architectures support rapid, controlled delivery and positive fluid control in dynamic and zero-gravity environments. Confirm fluid compatibility and mission requirements for each configuration.

Command MicroForce 0.5 L composite diaphragm accumulator with opposed metallic ports.

Command MicroForce

0.5 L diaphragm platform

The smallest documented MicroForce configuration for systems where mass and envelope are tightly constrained.

Documented pressure

3,500 PSI / 241 bar

Approximate envelope

5.1 in × 4.9 in

Approximate mass

1.2 lb / 0.5 kg

Discuss the 0.5 L platform

Command MicroForce 1 L composite accumulator with opposed ports and its original Steelhead label.

Specifications on request

Command MicroForce

1 L family option

The current family architecture includes a 1 L option. Contact Steelhead for the current public specification and configuration.

Volume option

1 L

Pressure / envelope / mass

Confirm with Steelhead

Request the 1 L specification

Command MicroForce 2 L composite accumulator with black end fittings.

Command MicroForce

2 L diaphragm platform

Greater hydraulic volume while retaining the mass advantages of composite construction.

Documented pressure

3,000 PSI / 207 bar

Approximate envelope

10 in × 6.2 in

Approximate mass

4 lb / 1.8 kg

Discuss the 2 L platform

Values shown are documented platform references, not a universal rating for every photographed or customized unit. Confirm the current configuration, fluid connections and application requirements with Steelhead.

Documented Construction & Operating Range.

The platform specification is selected around the application.

Command / documented platform references
ParameterSource-documented information
Pressure-vessel architectureType III
Maximum operating pressure500–3,500 PSI, depending on configuration
Minimum burst pressureDesigned for the application; confirm the required value
Operating temperature−20°F to 185°F / −30°C to 85°C, as documented
LinerImpermeable 6061-T6 aluminum; other options available
Structural shellCarbon fiber and epoxy composite
Fluid connectionsCustomizable

Piston architecture / coming soon

Command AxialForce

The Command family also includes an axial piston development path. Public specifications and availability details for AxialForce are not yet provided. Discuss the program requirements with Steelhead.

Command AxialForce development hardware, with a long carbon-fiber shell and metallic end closures.
Command AxialForce development hardware. Product specifications are forthcoming.
Command MicroForce 1 L composite accumulator with opposed ports and its original Steelhead label.
MicroForce 1 L hardware; original ports, surface and Steelhead label retained.

Aerospace integration

Fluid Control Around the Mission.

Evaluate accumulator mass, packaging, structure, vibration and interface requirements together. MicroForce is positioned for weight-restricted flight, defense, mobile and advanced hydraulic systems.

  • Gas or fluid and material compatibility
  • Pressure, temperature and operating environment
  • Mass and available system envelope
  • Fluid connections and integration requirements
  • Qualification and test planning

Aerospace Command. Commercial Bladder Accumulators.

Commercial PowerMax, MicroMax and AccuLite remain in the Commercial Pressure Vessels section. Keep their specifications separate from the specialized MicroForce and AxialForce architectures.

Start with the requirement

Bring the Fluid-Management Requirement.

Share the fluid, pressure, volume, available envelope and mission environment to discuss the appropriate Command architecture.

Talk with an Aerospace Engineer