Aerospace Silicones and Fluorosilicones
ElastaPro makes aerospace silicones and fluorosilicones that meet customer callouts and military, civilian, and industry standards. Choose solid silicone sheet or uncured silicone compound.
- Solid silicone sheet arrives ready for die cutting and come in thicknesses ranging from .010” to .500” and widths up to 60”.
- Uncured silicone compound is catalyzed and can be molded, extruded, or calendered.
ElastaPro manufactures all silicones in accordance with our AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system (QMS) at our Made in USA manufacturing facility in Santa Fe Springs, California.
That includes AS9100 certified silicone mixing – a rarity in the aerospace and defense industries.
Plus, we offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs), fast lead times, and provide a full Certificate of Analysis (COA) with every batch for traceability.
Need Aerospace Silicone Sheet or Slit Rolls?
We supply continuous rolls, pre-cut sheets, and uncured compounds with low minimums and fast lead times.
Request a Quote (RFQ)Aerospace Silicones vs. Standard Silicones
Aerospace silicones are formulated to withstand the extreme conditions of aviation, aeronautics, and space. They differ from commercial grade and general purpose silicones in their enhanced properties such as high and low temperature resistance, durability, and low outgassing characteristics.
There are other silicone materials that can meet the rigors of extreme environments, but ElastaPro’s aerospace silicones and meet specifications from the U.S. military, civilian standards organizations, and/or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Aerospace Silicone & Fluorosilicone Specifications
ElastaPro manufactures aerospace silicone and fluorosilicone materials that meet these specifications.
| Specification | Governing Body / Origin | Primary Scope & Application (Silicones & Elastomers) |
|---|---|---|
| A-A-55759 | Commercial Item Description (CID) | Covers solid silicone rubber sheets categorized by performance classes and grades (defining temperature thresholds, tear resistance, and compression set properties). |
| A-A-59588 | Commercial Item Description (CID) | Replaced legacy military spec ZZ-R-765; standardizes general-purpose, high-temperature, and high-strength silicone rubber sheets, strips, and molded shapes for military and aerospace use. |
| AMS | SAE International | Aerospace Material Specifications; a comprehensive system of standards governing materials, chemistry, and manufacturing processes for aerospace and defense engineering. |
| AMS-R-25988 | SAE International | Governs oil- and fuel-resistant fluorosilicone elastomer rubber sheets, strips, molded parts, and extruded shapes (such as precision O-rings) for aerospace fluid systems. |
| ASTM E595 | ASTM International | Standard test method for measuring material outgassing in a vacuum environment—specifically Total Mass Loss (TML) and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM)—vital for spacecraft, satellites, and optical hardware. |
| BMS | Boeing | Boeing Material Specifications; proprietary material standards defining rubber, silicone, and composite components used across Boeing commercial and military aircraft. |
| DMS | McDonnell Douglas / Boeing | Douglas Material Specifications; legacy McDonnell Douglas material standards (now integrated under Boeing) for structural components, tapes, and elastomeric seals. |
| LMA | Lockheed Martin | Lockheed Martin Aeronautics standards (e.g., LMA-ME025, LMA-STM) defining strict mechanical, environmental, and outgassing parameters for silicones used on tactical aircraft like the F-35 and F-22. |
| MIL-DTL-25988 | U.S. Department of Defense | Defense detail specification for oil- and fuel-resistant fluorosilicone rubber products engineered for harsh chemical exposure and wide temperature swings. |
| MIL-PRF-81322 | U.S. Department of Defense | Performance specification for wide-temperature, synthetic aircraft grease (frequently cross-referenced when evaluating chemical compatibility with nearby silicone or fluorosilicone seals). |
| MIL-STD-417 | U.S. Department of Defense | Standard classification system for elastomeric materials, establishing standardized physical property naming conventions for rubber and military silicone grades (such as Class TA). |
| PWA | Pratt & Whitney | Pratt & Whitney Approved; proprietary engineering specifications governing materials, components, and elastomeric seals used in gas turbine engines and aerospace propulsion. |
| SAE | SAE International | Global engineering organization responsible for establishing standards, recommended practices, and technical reports for the mobility, aerospace, and commercial vehicle industries. |
| WS14644 | U.S. Navy / Department of Defense | U.S. Navy specification establishing requirements for electrically conductive silicone rubber compounds utilized for EMI/RFI shielding and grounding seals. |
A-A-55759 Silicones
A-A-55759 aerospace silicones meet the requirements of alphanumeric classes within A-A-55759, a specification from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
This specification is sometimes written as AA 59759, AA55759, or A A 55759. It has replaced ZZR765 (ZZ-R-75), which is still found on older part drawings. The table below describes compliant materials.
| Class | Description / Performance Characteristics | Available Durometer Grades (Shore A) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1A | Low-temperature resistant | 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 |
| Class 1B | Low-temperature resistant with low compression set at high temperatures | 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 |
| Class 2A | High-temperature resistant | 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 |
| Class 3A | Low-temperature, tear-resistant, and flex-resistant (High Strength) | 30, 50, 60 |
| Class 3B | Tear-resistant and flex-resistant (High Strength) | 30, 50, 60, 70, 80 |
A-A-59588 Silicones
A-A-59588 aerospace silicones meet the requirements of alphanumeric classes within A-A-59588, a specification from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
This spec is sometimes written as MIL SPEC AA-59588, AA 59588, AA59588, or A A 59588. It has replaced ZZR765 (ZZ-R-75), which is still found on older drawings. The table below describes compliant materials.
| Class | Primary Performance Characteristic | Durometer Grades (Shore A) | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1A | Extreme Low-Temperature Resistance | 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -100°F to +425°F (-73°C to +219°C) |
| Class 1B | Extreme Low Temp + Low Compression Set | 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -100°F to +425°F (-73°C to +219°C) |
| Class 2A | Extreme High-Temperature Resistance | 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -80°F to +425°F (-62°C to +219°C) |
| Class 2B | High Temp + Low Compression Set | 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -80°F to +425°F (-62°C to +219°C) |
| Class 3A | Extreme Low Temp + High Tear & Flex Resistance | 30, 50, 60 | -103°F to +400°F (-75°C to +204°C) |
| Class 3B | High Tear Strength & Flex-Fatigue Resistance | 30, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -80°F to +400°F (-70°C to +204°C) |
AMS Silicones
AMS aerospace silicones meet Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS) from SAE International. Individual specifications cover either silicone or fluorosilicone materials.
AMS specifications define requirements for material properties, manufacturing processes, testing procedures, material selection, and quality control.
The table below describes materials that ElastaPro makes.
| AMS Spec | Material Classification / Description | Primary Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| AMS3195 | Closed‑cell medium‑density silicone sponge; flexible from −103°F to +401°F. | General‑purpose aerospace sponge gasketing; environmental sealing. |
| AMS3301 | 40‑durometer solid silicone, resistant to weathering and petroleum‑based lubricating oils. | Ambient‑temperature seals, gaskets, tubing, molded shapes. |
| AMS3302 | 50‑durometer solid silicone, weathering‑ and oil‑resistant. | General‑purpose aerospace seals and gaskets. |
| AMS3303 | 60‑durometer solid silicone, weathering‑ and oil‑resistant. | Higher‑durometer seals, gaskets, molded components. |
| AMS3304 | 70‑durometer solid silicone, peroxide‑cured; weathering‑ and oil‑resistant. | High‑durometer sealing applications; aerospace environmental gaskets. |
| AMS3305 | 80‑durometer solid silicone, weathering‑ and oil‑resistant. | Heavy‑duty seals requiring high hardness and stability. |
| AMS3306 | Solid silicone, 85–90 durometer class (adjacent to 3305). | High‑compression, high‑load sealing; structural aerospace gasketing. |
| AMS3307 | Solid silicone, extra‑firm durometer class. | Applications requiring minimal compression and maximum dimensional stability. |
| AMS3325 | Fuel‑resistant fluorosilicone, ~60 durometer; meets AMS 3325 fuel exposure requirements. | Fuel‑system gaskets, aerospace components exposed to hydrocarbons. |
| AMS3326 | Fuel‑resistant fluoroslicone variant with alternate durometer. | Hydrocarbon‑exposed seals where moderate hardness is required. |
| AMS3327 | Fuel‑resistant silicone, higher durometer than 3325/3326. | Fuel‑system sealing with increased mechanical strength. |
| AMS3332 | 20‑durometer soft aerospace silicone, very flexible. | Low‑durometer cushioning, vibration isolation, soft sealing. |
| AMS3334 | Low‑durometer silicone in the 333X soft‑material family. | Soft seals, vibration damping, flexible aerospace gasketing. |
| AMS3335 | Medium‑soft silicone, slightly firmer than 3332/3334. | Flexible seals requiring moderate mechanical strength. |
| AMS3336 | Mid‑range durometer silicone in the 333X series. | General aerospace sealing with balanced flexibility and strength. |
| AMS3337 | Higher‑durometer silicone within the 333X series. | Structural seals requiring reduced compression and higher rigidity. |
| AMS3338 | Firm silicone variant in the 333X series. | High‑load sealing, molded aerospace components. |
| AMS3345 | 50‑durometer silicone, ready‑to‑mold compound; meets AMS 3345. | Molded aerospace gaskets, O‑rings, custom‑fabricated components. |
| AMS3346 | Silicone compound adjacent to 3345, likely alternate cure system. | Molded aerospace components requiring specific cure chemistry. |
| AMS3348 | Silicone compound in the 334X family, mid‑durometer. | Molded parts, fabricated gaskets, aerospace sealing. |
| AMS3349 | Higher‑durometer silicone compound in the 334X series. | High‑strength molded aerospace components. |
| AMS3356 | Silicone meeting AMS 3356 series (not publicly described in returned sources). | High‑performance aerospace sealing; specialty mechanical environments. |
| AMS3357 | Silicone adjacent to AMS 3356, likely similar performance class. | Specialty aerospace seals requiring elevated mechanical or thermal stability. |
AMS-R-25988 Fluorosilicones
AMS-R-25988 fluorosilicones meet the requirements of an Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) that is used by the U.S. military under the MIL-DTL-25988 specification.
Several of ElastaPro’s AMS-R-25988 fluorosilicones were recently recertified by an independent laboratory.
AMS-R-25988 divides materials into Types and Classes. The table below describes compliant materials.
| Material Type | Product Form / Description | Available Durometer Grades (Shore A) | Primary Performance Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | O-rings and Molded Shapes | Class 1 (40, 60, 80) & Class 2 (50, 70) | Precision molded seals with high fluid resistance |
| Type II | Sheet, Strip, and Extruded Shapes | Class 1 (40, 60, 80) & Class 2 (50, 70) | Flat die-cut gaskets, sealing strips, and continuous roll stock |
| Type IV | High-Tear-Strength Fluorosilicone | Class 1 (30, 50, 70) | Dynamic flex applications requiring tear and flex-fatigue resistance |
ASTM E595 Silicones
ASTM E595 silicones meet the low outgassing requirements in ASTM E595, which forms the basis of NASA’s low outgassing standard for spacecraft and satellites.
These specification grade silicones meet Total Mass Loss (TML) and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) requirements. Water Vapor Recovered (WVR) is also reported.
| ASTM E595 Outgassing Parameter | NASA Standard Limit | ElastaPro ASTM E595 Silicone Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Mass Loss (TML) | ≤ 1.00% | Verified ≤ 1.00% across all durometers |
| Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) | ≤ 0.10% | Verified ≤ 0.10% across all durometers |
| Water Vapor Recovered (WVR) | Reported metric | Documented on batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) |
Boeing Material Specifications (BMS) Silicones
Boeing Material Specifications (BMS) silicones meet requirements from The Boeing Company for quality and performance requirements for materials used with Boeing aircraft in both civilian and military applications.
The table below describes materials that ElastaPro makes.
| BMS Spec | Material Classification / Description | Primary Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| BMS 1‑52 | High‑performance silicone rubber engineered for flexibility across a wide temperature range. | Seals and gaskets requiring long‑term flexibility and environmental resistance in aerospace systems. |
| BMS 1‑53 | Listed as a Boeing silicone specification; detailed public description not provided in available sources. | General aerospace silicone applications (inference based on inclusion in Boeing silicone spec list). |
| BMS 1‑57 | High‑performance synthetic silicone rubber with strong flexibility, durability, and environmental resistance. | Aerospace seals, gaskets, gap fillers, and joint sealing across wide temperature ranges. |
| BMS 1‑62 | Specialty silicone compound offering superior electrical and thermal stability. | Applications requiring electrical/thermal stability in aerospace environments. |
| BMS 1-71 | Fuel‑resistant fluorosilicone rubber, Class 2. | Critical aerospace sealing applications requiring fuel resistance. |
| BMS 1‑72 | General‑purpose silicone rubber compound for seals and molded components. | Broad‑use aerospace seals and molded silicone parts. |
| BMS 1‑74 | Low‑compression‑set silicone designed for long‑term sealing reliability. | Long‑duration sealing applications where compression‑set performance is critical. |
| BMS 1‑76 | Advanced fluorosilicone rubber with enhanced resistance to fuels and solvents. | Fuel‑ and solvent‑exposed aerospace sealing environments. |
Douglass Material Specifications (DMS) Silicones
Douglas Material Specification (DMS) silicones meet requirements that are now managed by The Boeing Company. Douglas developed these requirements to achieve efficient and cost-effective aircraft production.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (LMA) Silicones
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (LMA) silicones meet requirements from a division of Lockheed Martin Corporation that focuses on the design, development, production, and sustainment of military aircraft.
MIL-DTL-25988 Fluorosilicones
MIL-DTL-25988 fluorosilicones meet the requirements of a U.S. military detail (DTL) specification for fluorosilicone (FVMQ) elastomers that resist fuel and oil and are used in aerospace applications.
This MIL-SPEC classifies materials into types, classes and grades based on material form, grades, and primary performance attributes. The table below describes compliant materials.
| Classification | Material Form / Application | Available Grades (Shore A) | Primary Performance Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | O-Rings, Molded Shapes, Compression Seals | Grade 50, 60, 70, 80 | Low compression set in fuel/oil immersion |
| Type II | Sheet, Molded Strip, Die-Cut Flat Gaskets | Grade 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | Sheet calendar stability & high tear resistance |
| Class 1 | General Purpose Fuel/Oil Resistant | 40 to 80 Shore A | Standard low-temp capability (-70°F) |
| Class 2 | High Tear & Flex Fatigue Resistant | 50, 60, 70 Shore A | Elevated tensile and tear propagation resistance |
MIL-PRF-81322 Silicones
MIL-PRF-81322 silicones conform to a U.S. Department of Defense performance specification (PRF) for aircraft turbine engine lubricating oils.
This specification does not focus specifically on silicone, but some lubricants contain silicone-based additives that promote high-temperature performance.
MIL-STD-417 Silicones
MIL-STD-417 silicones conform to a U.S. Department of Defense standard (STD) that defines a classification system and test standard for solid elastomeric materials (vulcanized rubber compounds). Material designations under this standard begin with the letter TA and are followed by a three-digit numeric identifier.
Pratt & Whitney Approved (PWA) Silicones
Pratt & Whitney Approved (PWA) silicones meet Pratt & Whitney’s internal material, process, and engineering standards for aerospace materials. A division of RTX, Pratty & Whitney designs and builds engines that are used aboard both military and civilian aircraft.
SAE Silicones for Aerospace
SAE aerospace silicones meet standards from SAE International (besides AMS-R-25988) that apply to aircraft. For example, SAE-J20 covers silicone rubber that’s used in coolant hoses. TS147 covers silicone that used in loop-style clamp assemblies.
WS14644 Silicones
WS14644 aerospace silicones meet the requirements of a U.S. Department of Navy specification that establishes requirements for electrically conductive rubber compounds. This specification is not limited to aerospace specifications, and WS14644 contains three types of materials.
Aerospace Silicone Frequently Asked Questions
Where are silicone materials used in aerospace applications?
Aerospace silicones are used in:
- Door, panel, and access‑hatch gaskets
- Avionics and electronics enclosure seals
- Environmental control system (ECS) components
- Engine‑adjacent insulation and high‑temperature seals
- Fuel system and hydraulic system interfaces (fluorosilicone)
- Vibration damping pads and thermal insulation layers Their stability across wide temperature ranges makes them ideal for both interior and exterior aircraft environments.
What is the temperature range for aerospace‑grade silicone?
Most aerospace silicones operate reliably from –60°C to +230°C, with some high‑temperature formulations exceeding +260°C. Fluorosilicones maintain similar thermal performance while adding resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents. This wide temperature capability is essential for components exposed to altitude changes, engine heat, and cold‑soak conditions.
When should fluorosilicone be used instead of standard silicone?
Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) should be used when seals or gaskets are exposed to:
- Jet fuels (JP‑8, Jet‑A)
- Aviation gasoline
- Hydraulic fluids (Skydrol, MIL‑PRF‑83282)
- Oils, solvents, and chemical vapors Standard silicone offers excellent environmental and thermal performance, but it does not resist fuels. Fluorosilicone combines silicone’s temperature stability with the chemical resistance required for fuel‑system and engine‑bay applications.
Can aerospace silicones be molded or fabricated into custom shapes?
Yes. Aerospace silicones can be:
- Extruded into profiles for door and panel seals
- Molded into complex geometries
- Die‑cut into gaskets and pads
- Bonded or spliced into continuous loops
- Converted into insulation layers or vibration‑damping components Custom fabrication ensures the material meets both the design envelope and the performance requirements of the aircraft system.
Do aerospace silicones provide electrical or thermal insulation?
Many aerospace silicones offer excellent dielectric strength, making them suitable for avionics, sensors, and high‑voltage components. Silicone foams and sponges also provide thermal insulation, protecting electronics from heat generated by engines, power systems, or environmental control systems. Conductive silicone variants are available for EMI/RFI shielding in avionics enclosures.
Are aerospace silicones suitable for high‑altitude and pressurized environments?
Yes. Aerospace silicones maintain flexibility and sealing force under:
- Low‑pressure, high‑altitude conditions
- Rapid decompression
- Temperature cycling
- Vibration and mechanical shock Their low compression set ensures long‑term sealing performance in both pressurized and unpressurized aircraft zones.
How do aerospace silicones resist environmental exposure?
Silicone elastomers naturally resist:
- Ozone and UV radiation
- Moisture and humidity
- Thermal aging
- Oxidation This makes them ideal for exterior aircraft components, radomes, and areas exposed to sunlight, weather, or temperature extremes.
Can aerospace silicones be used in space applications?
Yes—specialized low‑outgassing silicone formulations can meet NASA and ESA outgassing requirements. These materials are used in satellites, spacecraft, and high‑vacuum environments where outgassed volatiles could contaminate optics or sensitive electronics.
Need Aerospace Silicones or Fluorosilicones?
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