Pneumatic systems are based on the fact that gas is compressible, so equipment is less subject to shock damage.Hydraulic systems use torque multiplication in an easy way, independent of the distance between the input and output, without the need for mechanical gears or levers.Ī hydropneumatic system combines the advantages of two technological principles: The purpose of this system is to provide a sensitive, dynamic and high-capacity suspension that offers superior ride quality on a variety of surfaces. The suspension was referred to as oléopneumatique in early literature, pointing to oil and air as its main components.
Similar systems are also widely used on modern tanks and other large military vehicles. The Toyota Soarer UZZ32 'Limited' was fitted with a fully integrated four-wheel steering and a complex, computer-controlled hydraulic Toyota Active Control Suspension in 1991.
It was also used on Berliet trucks and has more recently been used on Mercedes-Benz cars, where it is known as Active Body Control. Hydropneumatic suspension is a type of motor vehicle suspension system, designed by Paul Magès, invented by Citroën, and fitted to Citroën cars, as well as being used under licence by other car manufacturers, notably Rolls-Royce ( Silver Shadow), Maserati ( Quattroporte II) and Peugeot.
