The RAPCO RAP442CW-6 is an FAA-PMA approved dry air vacuum/pressure pump used in aircraft pneumatic systems to power vacuum-driven instruments such as attitude indicators, directional gyros, and other gyro-based flight instruments.

It is a dry carbon-vane pump, meaning it operates without oil lubrication. Internal carbon vanes and a precision-machined rotor create suction by drawing air through the system, supplying stable vacuum or pressure depending on installation configuration.

The “442CW-6” model is part of RAPCO’s 400-series pumps, designed as a direct replacement for Airborne 442CW-6 and Aero Accessories AA442CW-6 units. It is commonly used in general aviation aircraft vacuum systems, especially in Cessna and Piper installations with standard vacuum instrument suites.

This pump includes design improvements such as an inspection wear port, allowing maintenance personnel to monitor vane wear and predict end-of-life service. It also features improved sealing technology to reduce contamination from engine oil, which is a common failure cause in vacuum pumps.

The unit is typically installed on the engine accessory case and driven mechanically. It is considered a consumable life-limited component, replaced at regular hour intervals depending on operating conditions and manufacturer recommendations.

Key features include:

RAPCO part number: RAP442CW-6
FAA-PMA approved aircraft vacuum/pressure pump
Dry carbon-vane design (no oil lubrication required)
Output: vacuum or pressure for gyro instruments
Replaces Airborne 442CW-6 / AA442CW-6
Built-in inspection port for vane wear monitoring
Improved shaft seal to reduce oil contamination
Engine-driven accessory-mounted pump
Typical weight: ≈ 3.3 lb (≈ 1.5 kg)
Used in attitude indicators, DGs, turn coordinators systems
Designed for general aviation vacuum systems
Life-limited consumable component (periodic replacement required)