Abstract: A composite cylinder constructed from a cylindrical liner having an outer surface which is dome shaped adjacent each end. A plurality of layers of resin impregnated carbon filaments are wound on the outer surface of the liner and over the dome shaped portions. Preferably the filaments are helically wound and are wound at an angle with respect to the access of the cylindrical liner such that radial stress as applied during operation will not tend to displace the filaments wound over the dome shaped portions of the liner. The composite cylinder is useful as an integral part of a hydraulic actuator used to position flight control surfaces on aircraft.