Stronghold / Type III Aerospace COPVs
Type III Aerospace Composite Pressure Vessels
Aluminum-lined composite overwrapped pressure vessels engineered for aerospace systems where reducing mass without giving up pressure capability, durability or integration flexibility matters.
- Aluminum-lined architecture
- Composite reinforcement
- Program-specific integration
Compare the starting points
Stronghold Platforms.
One Lightweight Architecture.
Steelhead’s aerospace Type III portfolio spans ultra-compact vessels, satellite-oriented hardware, ride-share packaging, neck-mounted gas storage and larger-diameter platforms.
Choose around volume, available envelope, interfaces and mission requirements. Final specifications and qualification requirements are reviewed for the selected configuration.
Phoenix
Fully Demisable COPV
Designed for spacecraft applications where end-of-life demise is an important program consideration. The platform supports oxidizer and pressurant storage for satellites, with a 6061-T6 aluminum liner, aramid reinforcement and dual AS5202-08 interfaces.
Diameter class
6.7-inch
Volumes
12 L to 24 L
Pressure
3,000 psi
Interfaces
Two ports; strap mounting
Aegis
9 L Single-Port COPV
A lightweight, cost-efficient single-port platform for oxidizer storage, blowdown systems, hydrogen fuel, spare air and compact autonomous systems, including UAV, UUV and AUV applications.
Volume
9 L
Pressure options
5,000 psi / 7,500 psi
Port layout
Single port
Mounting
Strap mounting
Orbit
6.3-Inch Ride-Share COPV
A narrow-diameter Type III platform for ride-share spacecraft, small launch and compact aerospace packaging where available diameter is a primary constraint.
Diameter class
6.3-inch
Volumes
5 L to 32 L
Pressure range
3,000 to 5,000 psi
Design focus
Ride-share / narrow-diameter packaging
Ranger
6.7-Inch Neck-Mount COPV
A compact-diameter platform combining neck mounting with multiple volume options. Review aerospace-specific interfaces and qualification requirements with Steelhead; the related commercial platform is Nomad Ranger.
Diameter class
6.7-inch
Volumes
6 L, 7.5 L, 11 L and 18 L
Pressure
5,050 psi
Interfaces
Two ports; neck mounting
Scout
2.2 L COPV
A compact Type III platform for aerospace pneumatic, pressurant, life-support and other high-pressure gas-storage applications where mass and envelope are tightly constrained.
Diameter class
4.5-inch
Volume
2.2 L
Pressure options
5,000 psi / 7,500 psi
Interfaces
Single port; strap mounting
Kestrel
0.3 L COPV
An ultra-compact Type III platform for small spacecraft, defense, actuation, pneumatic or experimental systems requiring a very small stored-gas volume in a lightweight package.
Diameter class
2.75-inch
Volume
0.3 L
Pressure options
5,000 psi / 7,500 psi / 10,000 psi
Design focus
Ultra-compact stored-gas systems
Titan
Large-Diameter COPV
Engineered for launch vehicle pressurization and other demanding flight applications. Lightweight construction, flexible sizing and mounting options support mission-specific vehicle integration.
Diameters
16 to 23 inches
Volumes
70 L to 400 L; customizable lengths
Pressure range
2,000 to 7,500 psi
Interfaces
Two ports; neck or strap mounting
Bastion
20 L to 30 L COPV
A smaller-diameter, cost-effective two-port solution for satellite constellations and other space applications. Customizable lengths support direct ports or Steelhead’s integrated port and mounting solutions.
Volumes
20 L to 30 L
Pressure range
2,000 to 6,000 psi
Port layout
Two ports
Pioneer
10 L / 8-Inch COPV
A compact, lightweight and cost-effective single-port solution for satellite oxidizer and fuel systems. Carbon fiber reinforcement or a fully demisable configuration is available, with additional volumes and mission-specific customizations on request.
Platform
10 L / 8-inch diameter
Pressure range
2,000 to 6,000 psi
Port layout
Single port
At a glance
Find the Platform Around the Requirement.
| Platform | Volume / envelope | Pressure information | Interfaces / integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 6.7-inch; 12 L to 24 L | 3,000 psi | Two ports; strap mounting |
| Aegis | 9 L | 5,000 psi / 7,500 psi | Single port; strap mounting |
| Orbit | 6.3-inch; 5 L to 32 L | 3,000 to 5,000 psi | Ride-share / narrow-diameter packaging |
| Ranger | 6.7-inch; 6 / 7.5 / 11 / 18 L | 5,050 psi | Two ports; neck mounting |
| Scout | 4.5-inch; 2.2 L | 5,000 psi / 7,500 psi | Single port; strap mounting |
| Kestrel | 2.75-inch; 0.3 L | 5,000 psi / 7,500 psi / 10,000 psi | Ultra-compact stored-gas systems |
| Titan | 16 to 23 inches; 70 L to 400 L; customizable lengths | 2,000 to 7,500 psi | Two ports; neck or strap mounting |
| Bastion | 20 L to 30 L; customizable lengths | 2,000 to 6,000 psi | Two ports; direct or integrated mounting |
| Pioneer | 10 L; 8-inch diameter | 2,000 to 6,000 psi | Single port; carbon or demisable configuration |
On smaller screens, scroll the table horizontally. Keyboard users can focus the table region and use the arrow keys.
Pressure values and ranges describe platform options. Final pressure, volume, interface and qualification requirements are reviewed for the selected configuration; not every listed option is available in every combination. Commercial specifications and certifications do not automatically apply to an aerospace configuration.
Commercial Ranger hardware shown as an integration reference. Aerospace interfaces are reviewed for each program.
Engineering & Qualification
Interfaces Are Part of the Design
Pressure vessel selection is only the beginning. Steelhead can support sizing and trade studies, interfaces, design analysis, prototype hardware, qualification planning, testing and the transition into production.
- Define the envelope Pressure, volume, available diameter and mass target.
- Review integration Ports, mounting, gas or fluid and operating environment.
- Develop the hardware Analysis, prototypes and manufacturing feedback.
- Plan qualification Program-specific requirements, testing and production acceptance.
Start with the mission
Explore Aerospace Applications
Related Commercial Technology
A Commercial Configuration
May Fit the Requirement.
For programs that do not require an aerospace-specific configuration, Steelhead’s Nomad Series provides commercial compact Type III platforms including Trek and Ranger.
Review the commercial family separately rather than assuming its specifications or certifications apply to aerospace hardware.
Start with the requirement
Bring Us the Mission.
Share the pressure, gas or fluid, available envelope, mass target, interfaces and qualification requirements. Steelhead can help identify the appropriate platform or development path.