While glass cockpits were once an exciting new technology proposing to revolutionize the aircraft flight deck, glass avionics now are a staple that are even retrofitted into older aircraft as an emerging standard. Unlike the more conventional analog cockpit avionics, gauges, and systems that have long served aircraft for many years, advanced cockpit and canopy configurations have introduced computers, keyboards, and digital displays that have radically changed how a pilot may receive and manage flight systems and data. As there are still a number of aircraft that are obtainable with an analog cockpit, understanding the differences between the two can help one make a decision for which they would like to fly with.

While many gas turbines are regularly used as the engine of an aircraft, they can also serve natural-gas-fueled power plants for the means of electrical generation. As a longstanding technology, gas turbines are one of the most widely-used assemblies for power production, and they operate through the properties of internal combustion. While gas turbines are complex machines that can come in various forms, their main sections and general operations tend to remain the same. In this blog, we will discuss the functionality of gas turbines, allowing you to better understand how they may be used for the generation of electricity.

A transponder is a subsystem that provides the connecting link between the transmission and reception antennas of a satellite or aircraft. It is among the most important subsystems within the aerospace and aviation segments. A transponder effectively performs the functions of both a transmitter and receiver/responder in a satellite. Therefore, the name ‘transponder’ comes from the combination of transmitter and responder.

Valves are common components for a great number of systems, allowing for various devices to control the flow of fluids. Depending on the particular application, the types of valves used for assemblies will often depend on particular needs and requirements. With a valve type known as the disk valve, the flow of fluids can be regulated with its ability to restrict or completely obstruct flow. While simplistic by themselves, disk valves are often a closure device for larger assemblies, assisting operations as parts of check valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, and other such types. With a variety of sizes, actuation methods, and other characteristics available, disk valves can serve a number of systems and uses.

For the correct functionality of a piston powered combustion engine, the camshaft must be able to control valves with precise timing to ensure proper fuel and air mixtures for ignition. To control valves, the camshaft relies on a component known as a lifter or tappet. In recent years, a component known as the roller lifter/tappet has begun to replace more conventional types due to their characteristics. As compared to alternative components such as the flat tappet assembly, the camshaft assembly roller lifter provides increased power advantages, smoother engine operations, and causes less friction between moving parts. As such, the roller lifter is an advantageous component for aircraft engines.

For a modern aircraft to optimally carry out all the processes needed for navigation, communication, takeoffs, etc., they require a form of electrical power. While generators have served many aircraft well for power generation over the years, the alternator has quickly become a standard facet of modern design. While both systems can provide reliable and consistent powering, there are various aspects of the alternator that make it more desirable for aerospace applications as compared to more conventional generators.

While aircraft engine failures are exceedingly rare and are something that no pilot ever wants to have happen while they are flying, such occurrences are always a possibility. To ensure the safety of all on board and for surrounding areas where an engine failure occurs, it is critical that pilots know how to deal with such situations. In this blog, we will discuss the main steps of handling engine failures, beginning with immediate actions following when a failure is noticed to enacting restart procedures and landings.

During various aircraft ground operations such as taxiing, cargo loading, refueling, and maintenance, a great number of aircraft ground support equipment is needed. While aircraft are advanced systems that provide us numerous benefits, their sheer size and delicacy require careful operations to ensure safety, prevent damage, and guarantee speedy processes. From aircraft towing to de-icing, GSE equipment and vehicles are utilized together to make ground operations smooth and efficient.

While aircraft are highly advanced systems, they are still prone to eventual failure if parts are not regularly serviced and replaced. Keeping a full inventory of extra components can make MRO services quick, but maintaining such an inventory can be very costly and time consuming. This is due to the fact that aircraft parts are very expensive, often warranting quick turn-around times for the sake of inventory costs and regulation. Currently, a number of trends are developing for inventory management such as automation, software solutions, and radio frequency identification.

As the modularization of industrial plants and systems continues to evolve, the industrial market is using smaller and smaller machines. As such, compact, modular, and robust connections are needed for connecting small loads. To respond to this need, Harting Technologies has developed a new type of connector: the Han 1A. This rectangular connector has a wide range of benefits and is suitable for the transmission of data, signals, and power, and provides an ideal solution within control systems, smaller drives, and switch cabinet installations.