Flexible hoses for defense: not just any hose will do

In defense, there’s no room for error.

We’re not talking about just another hose from the catalog.

We’re talking about flexible hoses assemblies that must withstand extreme temperatures, constant vibrations, marine corrosion, and pressure spikes that would shake most systems to their core.

At Redfluid, we’ve been designing custom-made hose assemblies for hydraulic, instrumentation, defense, and control systems for years—systems that operate in environments where failure is not an option.

And we do it by meeting the most demanding standards, selecting top-grade materials, and paying close attention to every detail of the assembly process.

Standards that make the difference in defense flexible hoses assemblies

In defense, meeting standards isn’t “a nice-to-have.”

It’s the bare minimum to even begin the conversation.

These are some of the most common standards we work with alongside technical departments in the sector:

• MIL-STD-810 → Rigorous environmental testing: thermal shocks, vibrations, salt fog, humidity, dust…
• MIL-DTL-8794 / 13444 / 52471 → Specific standards for hydraulic hoses based on their pressure class.
• STANAG → NATO standards that ensure compatibility and interoperability among allied countries.
• Spanish Defense Standards (NDE):
  • NDE-ST-003 (quality)
  • NDE-ST-008 (environmental testing)
  • NDE-IN-002 (metal material control)
  • NDE-MT-009 (corrosion resistance)
• EN ISO 10380 → Applicable to braided metal hoses, widely used in high-vibration areas.
• SAE J343 and J517 → In some projects, we also apply these standards from the automotive and aerospace sectors.

And why does all this matter?

Because if the hose assembly doesn’t meet the standard, it’s not part of the project. Simple as that.

Materials That Withstand It All

Material Selection Is No Afterthought

It determines whether your system will endure—or fail.

Here are some of the materials we commonly use in defense applications:

• AISI 316L → The all-rounder: corrosion-resistant and ideal for standard hydraulic oils.
• AISI 321 → Withstands high temperatures without losing mechanical properties.
• Inconel 625 / 718 → The go-to choice when extreme temperatures and aggressive fluids are involved.
• Hastelloy C-276 → Excellent for strong acids, chlorides, and highly corrosive environments.
• Super Duplex F53 → Outstanding mechanical strength and resistance to pitting corrosion.
• Stainless braided PTFE → Operates from -70 °C to +260 °C and is chemically inert.
• Cupronickel (90/10 and 70/30) → Commonly used in marine or high-salinity environments.

Every project has its own formula.

That’s why we don’t manufacture from a fixed catalog—we build exactly what your system needs.

Rigorous Testing (Because the environment is demanding too)

Defense flexible hoses assemblies are designed to endure extreme operating conditions.

Before being delivered to the client, they must prove they can successfully pass the following tests:

• Service pressure
• Pressure impulses (water hammer)
• Leak and sealing tests
• Vibration and mechanical fatigue testing

These tests are not just formalities.

They are the way to ensure the hose will perform reliably in the desert, in the rain, at 10,000 meters altitude, or in the engine compartment of an armored vehicle.

Without failure. Without leaks. Without surprises.

Depending on the project, specific tests may be conducted.

Why trust Redfluid for your defense felxible hoses assemblies?

Because we do this every day.

Because we understand which standards apply, which materials fit, and what your application needs.

And because we don’t just manufacture: we advise you from the very beginning to ensure your hose functions from day one… and continues to perform for many years.

Not sure how to order your hose assembly?

Here’s a blog where we explain it step by step.

Prefer to go over it together? Contact us here and we’ll help you define the best solution for your system.