Close Menu
Lee Locations around the world
The Lee Company In the UK
The Lee Company in Germany
The Lee Company in France
The Lee Company In Italy
The Lee Company in Scandinavia
See Global Distributors and Agents
Back
Back
Back
Back
Back
You are viewing Aerospace & Defense content
Go to Overview Change your industry to Aerospace & Defense
Industries | Aerospace & Defense | Products | Shuttle Valves

Shuttle Valves

Browse Shuttle Valves
Shuttle Valves for Aerospace & Defense

Back Up Critical Systems with Lee Shuttle Valves

Aircraft are designed with redundancy in mind. When redundancy isn’t practical, such as in landing gear or braking, a three-port shuttle valve can be used to provide back-up control of a single system. Lee shuttle valves are designed into landing gear and braking systems as a way to switch between main and emergency control lines when needed.

Lee shuttle valves are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the needs of any application. Because shuttle valves commonly operate during emergency situations, reliability over the life of an aircraft is critical. Therefore, Lee shuttle valves are designed to last for the entire 30-year lifespan of the airframe by making use of robust stainless steel construction.

Each part is also designed to be compact, lightweight, and simple to install. Lee shuttle valves incorporate a unique nose seal design that eliminates bypass leakage and any need for additional O-rings. Choose from spring-biased shuttle valves, detented shuttle valves, selective shuttle valves, inverse shuttle valves, or zero-leak shuttle valves – you’re almost certain to find a configuration that works for you.

Over half of the products we offer are designed for the unique needs of a specific application. Shuttle valves can be designed in custom envelopes and configurations with unique shuttling pressures, flow rates, leakage specifications, materials, and more. Contact your local Lee sales engineer to discuss your specific needs.

Spring-Biased Shuttle Valves

This valve configuration is typically used to select between the main hydraulic system and the emergency backup that’s biased in the normally closed port. Its non-interflow design means that its three ports are never open simultaneously. These valves can also be used to extend a large unequal area actuator, where reduced actuation force may be permissible in one direction. Lee spring-biased shuttle valves are available in sizes from 0.187 to 0.500 of an inch.

Go To Product Finder

Detented Shuttle Valves

Detented shuttle valves are designed with a mechanically latched poppet that can close off one of the two inlet ports. This design is typically used in brake systems where bi-directional flow may be required between either of the inlet ports and the outlet port. Detented shuttle valves are also of the “non-interflow” type, which is a common requirement in aircraft landing gear applications. This valve comes in 0.187, 0.281, 0.375, and 0.500 inch diameters as a standard product. Zero leak versions are also available.

Go To Product Finder

Selective Shuttle Valves

This is our standard non-biased loose-ball design. Available in 0.187, 0.281, 0.375, and 0.500 inch diameters, these are the most economical configuration. The maximum shuttling pressure is just 1 psid. The valves are rated for leakage of fewer than 1 mL per minute.

Go To Product Finder

Inverse Shuttle Valves

Inverse shuttle valves may be used to replace two check valves in providing an anti-cavitation and anti-pressure intensification function in hydrostatic actuation systems. Unique among shuttle valves, these components flow liquid from the lower pressure port while the higher inlet pressure is blocked. They’re available in 0.250 and 0.500 inch diameters.

Go To Product Finder

Zero Leak Shuttle Valves

Zero leak versions of the detented and spring-biased shuttle valves are available with polymeric valve seats to eliminate leakage. Detented shuttle valves are available with polymeric seats on both the normal and emergency ports. These polymeric seats provide a tighter seal in applications where eliminating any leakage is critical. This is particularly critical in applications using a gas-operated backup emergency system. Zero leak valves are available in 0.281, 0.375, and 0.500 inch diameters. For custom versions of a spring-biased shuttle valve with a polymeric valve seat, contact your local Lee sales engineer.

Go To Product Finder
Browse Shuttle Valves

Product Finder

Looking for a shuttle valve? Use the Product Finder to guide you to configurations that meet your requirements and gain access to detailed product information such as dimensions, performance specifications, CAD models, and more!

Browse Products
Support & Resources

Support & Resources from a Team that Speaks Your Language

Partner with The Lee Company and get much more than just a supplier of top-quality fluid control products. Our reliable technical support team is available every step of the way to help you find solutions, maximize productivity, and drive efficiency across your operations. Check out these aerospace and defense-specific resources to learn more.

Go to Support & Resource Center
Product Handbook
Technical Hydraulic Handbook of Aerospace, Energy, and Motorsport Solutions
View Resource
White paper
Adapting Fluid Control Components for Hydrogen Applications
View Insight
Article
System Performance Depends on Cleanliness
View Insight
Technical Guide
PS J2374 Rev A: Installation of 3-Port Inserts
View Resource
eBook
An Engineer's Guide to Selecting a Check Valve
View Resource
Application Card
Fly With our Experience on Commercial Aircraft
View Resource