Definition
Describes a system in which an electrical signal controls the operation of a hydraulic actuator, combining electrical control with hydraulic power to move flight controls, landing gear, brakes, or other aircraft components.
Plain English
A system where an electric signal tells fluid pressure to do the actual work of moving something on the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in descriptions of aircraft systems that use both electrical control and hydraulic force, especially landing gear, brakes, and some flight control systems.
Derivation
A combination of electro- (relating to electricity) and hydraulic (from Greek hydor, water, referring to power transmitted through pressurized fluid). The word literally means electrically controlled, hydraulically powered.
Why Pilots Care
These systems provide precise, powerful movement of controls without heavy mechanical linkages, improving reliability and reducing pilot workload.
Intuition Check
Do not read electrohydraulic as purely electric or purely hydraulic. It means the system uses electricity and fluid pressure together.
Example Sentence 1
The flight controls on this airplane are electrohydraulic, so the pilot's stick movement sends an electrical signal that opens a valve and lets hydraulic pressure move the control surface.
Example Sentence 2
Before takeoff the crew verified that the electrohydraulic pumps were operating normally.