EK-48

Compressed-air control function of the EK-48 valve

The main task of the EK-48 is to connect or shut off compressed-air flow to an actuator. In the de-energized state, the valve is normally closed and blocks the air passage. When a 20–28.5 V DC command is applied, the valve opens and supplies air to the connected mechanism. Manual actuation is also provided, which is useful for emergency or maintenance operation. This dual-control design is important where the system must be actuated electrically but still remain serviceable during checks or emergency use.

Normally closed design of the EK-48

The EK-48 is a normally closed electropneumatic valve. This means that, without power or manual actuation, the air channel remains closed. The valve body includes inlet and outlet fittings, a valve spring, inlet and outlet valve elements, piston, lever mechanism, traction relay, connector, servo valve, gasket and housing elements according to the supplier’s parts diagram. This construction allows the unit to react quickly to an electrical impulse while retaining a mechanical manual-control option.

EK-48 in aviation pneumatic systems

In aircraft and helicopters, the EK-48 and related EK-48M aviation versions may be used in high-pressure pneumatic systems. Typical functions include emergency or auxiliary landing gear release, flap or airbrake actuation on light aircraft, wheel brake control circuits and other pneumatic mechanisms depending on aircraft configuration. On Yak-52, Yak-50 and Yak-18T aircraft, valves of this type are commonly associated with landing gear emergency release and flap / landing-flap pneumatic control circuits. Exact installation should be confirmed by aircraft pneumatic-system documentation.

EK-48 in armored and special vehicle systems

In armored and special vehicles, the EK-48 is used to control compressed-air supply to power pneumatic cylinders. It is associated with systems on platforms such as BMP-1, BMP-2, T-72 and T-64, where it may control air supply to brake-assist boosters and the supercharger valve drive depending on configuration. The referenced supplier page also lists application in pneumatic aggregate control assembly 675-78-sb3 and equipment based on MT-T vehicles.

Working pressure and operating conditions of EK-48

The EK-48 works with compressed air with a dew point not higher than −50 °C. The inlet pressure range is 10–80 kgf/cm², equal to approximately 1–8 MPa. The valve operates in temperatures from −60 to +120 °C and can be installed in any spatial position. This allows installation both inside cockpit or service compartments and in unheated equipment bays where low temperature and vibration are expected. The rated operation mode is intermittent, with energizing time limited to 60 seconds followed by cooling time.

Electrical control and response of EK-48

The EK-48 is designed for aircraft / vehicle DC power systems in the 20–28.5 V range. At 24 V, current consumption is not more than 3.5 A. The valve is intended for short command operation rather than permanent energizing. Response time is very short, with supplied data indicating opening time not more than 0.025 seconds at 50 kgf/cm². Before installation, wiring, connector condition, insulation, manual control movement and valve response should be checked.

Supply and inspection of EK-48

For procurement, the full designation EK-48 / ЭК-48 should be used. If the aviation version EK-48M is required, this should be stated separately. The product may also be referenced by catalog number 155.38.057sb. Before installation, the valve should be inspected for body condition, connector condition, fittings, sealing surfaces, corrosion, manual actuation, port cleanliness and leakage. Since it works in a high-pressure pneumatic system, functional and leak testing at the specified pressure range is recommended before installation.