Lithium Grease in Aviation: Why Royco 43 is the Go-To Choice

Modern jets are beautiful, graceful, powerful machines. But behind all that beauty and sleekness, old sciences are hard at work doing things like they have for decades. They still need corrosion protection where metal contacts. Critical components and metal surfaces still must be greased for smooth operation. 

Greases and lubricants still keep airplanes in the air; without them, the aircraft would be grounded. It sounds dramatic, but the next time you ponder the importance of rubber to metal lubrication on various mechanisms, or metal to metal for that matter, find a jet getting a gear swing because the landing gear had not been properly lubricated. It is that serious. 

Royco 43 meets the SAE-AMS-G-4343 specification, which supersedes MIL-G-4343 standards. This ensures reliability at low temperatures in marine applications and other mechanisms. 

What is Lithium Grease

In this case, Royco 43 is a synthetic grease that is lithium soap thickened and designed for modern industrial, aerospace, and marine applications. It protects metal surfaces from contact with similar and dissimilar metal types. 

This type of grease excels at low-temperature lubricity. It is often used in pressurized aircraft bulkhead grommets and other areas of rubber-to-metal contact. There are several places in the flight control systems where this is common. 

Specifications and Approvals

Royco 43 meets the current standard of SAE AMS G-4343, which supersedes MIL G 4343. It also meets NATO Code G-392. The primary chemistry for Royco 43 is a Polyalphaolefin (PAO) based grease, so make sure the application in question is approved for PAO. 

Royco 43 has a three-year shelf life from the date of manufacture, which is labeled on the grease tube. 

Features and Benefits

Oxidation is the mortal enemy of metal components on modern aircraft and aerospace assets, and Royco 43 has enhanced protection from oxidation for longer grease operational life and better lubricating qualities. 

It is made to prevent rust and corrosion on metal surfaces and promote smooth operation. It is also a sealing aid for elastomer and metal contact, providing an excellent wear protection layer. 

Aviation Applications

We already talked about the pressurized aircraft bulkhead components, but that is far from the only use. It is the standard grease for flaps and slat tracks, splines, ball screws, and antifriction bearings. Now, this is not the appropriate grease for high-heat applications, such as wheel bearings and axle butter lubrication. 

Procuring Royco 43 From Greenwood Aerospace

Royco 43 is a go-to grease for dozens of common functions that require standard and regular lubrication, including certain landing gear components, flight control surfaces, and more. It is an excellent choice for metal-on-metal components that tend to wear or where corrosion is prevalent. 

Greenwood Aerospace is your trusted partner for all varieties of aviation greases, lubricants, sealants, and solvents. Currently, we stock Royco 43 in 6.5-lb quantities. If you are ready to bulk up your supply of aircraft low-temperature grease, give us a call at (580) 762-2580 or start an online quote today!