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The Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry is currently experiencing a boom, and while growth is indicative of a thriving and successful market, it does bring about its own set of challenges. Growth, coupled with new technologies, continued consolidation, and emerging markets, can create newer problems and disruptions in supply chain. If A&D companies wish to continue seeing growth, then they must be able to adapt to such disruptions and develop preparative measures on working through them. Read more >>

The aircraft flight control system is made up of the primary aircraft flight control system and the secondary system. In the primary system, there are three components which includes the ailerons, the elevator, and the rudder. The second system consists of the wing flaps, spoilers, trim systems, and leading edge devices. These control systems are the method in which pilots can steer, and increase or decrease height. For a high level basic look at these systems, it helps to analyze the role and function of the three primary flight control surfaces. Read more >>

Even on small aircraft, a way to precisely locate structural components is essential for maintenance and repairs. Various numbering systems are used to locate specific wing frames, fuselage bulkheads, or other structural components on an aircraft, with most manufacturers using a system of station marking. For example, a nose may be designated “zero station,” and all other stations are located at measured distances in inches behind the zero station. When a blueprint reads fuselage frame 137, that station can be located 137 inches behind the nose of the aircraft. Read more >>

Smaller aircraft have relatively low flight control loads, and the pilot can operate the flight controls on hand without issue. However, as aircraft started to fly faster and get larger, hydraulic power boost systems were implemented to help maintain control. Power boost systems assist the pilot in overcoming high control forces, but the pilot can still actuate the flight controls by cable or push rod. In recent years, electric fly-by-wire systems unassisted by hydraulics have become more prevalent, such as on the F-16 Fighting Falcon and 787 Dreamliner, but many other models still rely on hydraulic systems. Read more >>

A slip ring is an electrical connector component that is designed to carry a current from a wire into a rotating device. It can be used in any electromechanical system that requires rotation while it transmits power. Slip rings can simplify system operations, eliminate the need for freestanding wires, and improve overall mechanical performance.  Read more >>

Engine ignition leads are used to power spark plugs for prominent commercial assemblies— the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 utilized by Boeing B787’s, Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine integrated on the Airbus A380, and Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines all incorporate some type of ignition leads. Spark plugs allow combustion within the ignition system but transferring current across a spark plug gap wouldn’t be possible without ignition leads. Read more >>

Most car owners know of spark plugs because they’re a common engine component that often needs to be replaced and are integral for an engine to work. Without them, the engine will not start. The electrical energy from the plugs is used to create a spark, which ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.  Read more >>

Automatic direction systems serve a fairly simple purpose— locate, and point, in the direction of an NDB signal. Non-directional beacons (NDBs) are used for anything from Morse code broadcasts to voice interfaced communication to inform pilots about weather conditions. They communicate important information directly to the automatic direction finder (ADF). Simple enough, right? Let’s take a look at how an ADF accomplishes this functionality using two types of antennas: loop and sensing. Read more >>

It’s easy to neglect the little things like choosing the proper hose assembly in favor of focusing on bigger things like an engine. But, like with all things in aerospace and aviation, choosing the proper components for your hose assembly can make the difference between smooth operations or malfunctions. Read more >>