Hydropneumatic suspension

Hydropneumatic suspension is a type of suspension system that combines the advantages of hydraulic
systems and pneumatic systems so that gas absorbs excessive force and liquid in hydraulics directly
transfers force. Designed by Paul Magès, invented by Citroën, and fitted to Citroën cars, as well as being
used under licence by other car manufacturers. Similar systems are also widely used on modern tanks
and other large military vehicles.

The chamber consists of both the gas and the oil seperated by a thin membrane. This allows the gas to
compress due to the pressure exerted by the liquid. This compression allows the freedom of movement
for the wheels. A pipeline carrying oil extends from the chamber which either alters the quantity of the
oil in the chamber to maintain the height of the chassis. If weight is exerted on the system, high
presssure liquid is pushed into the chamber to increase the height back to its normal position. While oil
is extracted to decrease the height.

Advantages:
- Less weight than the double wishbone suspension

- Less space required

- Adjustment of height regardless of the load

Disadvantages
- Expensive

- Higher cost of maintainance

- Requirement of specialised parts