Which hydraulic operation usually employs a double-acting, balanced linear actuator?

The operation that typically employs a double-acting, balanced linear actuator is associated with automatic pilot servos. In this context, servos are designed to control flight surfaces and maintain the aircraft's attitude by adjusting control surfaces based on input from the autopilot system.

Double-acting actuators are engineered to push and pull, allowing for precise and responsive movements in both directions. This functionality is essential for an automatic pilot system, where rapid and accurate control is vital for maintaining stable flight and responding to varying aircraft conditions. A balanced actuator design minimizes wear and improves efficiency, making it particularly suited for continuous adjustments required in autopilot applications.

Landing gear systems, emergency braking systems, and wing flap actuation each have different operational needs and may involve single-acting actuators or other types, which are not as optimized for the requirements of a consistent feedback loop inherent in automatic pilot functions. Thus, automatic pilot servos stand out as the primary application for double-acting, balanced linear actuators.