Aerospace Orbit Blog

Over the course of aviation history, many different types of airplane propellers have been used in piston engine-driven aircraft, as advances in materials and engineering opened up greater and greater possibilities in the aircraft propeller's design and engine performance. In this blog, we will explore some of the different types of propellers used over the years. Read more >>

Aircraft powered by piston and turboprop engines feature propeller blades that pull or push on the air around the aircraft to provide propulsion. As piston engines have become more powerful, they require more and more propeller blades. Read more >>

Unlike early aircraft -  which merely required a rough surface to land - modern aircraft are required to have a fully functioning braking system to ensure a safe and full stop. The basic function of an aircraft brake part is to slow and stop the plane on the tarmac. Just as you push down the brake in an automatic car to stop it from moving forward at a red light, the brakes on an aircraft also allow a pilot to hold the plane on the tarmac before take-off or during taxi. Read more >>

The propeller of an aircraft is a crucial component that contributes to flight. A propeller provides the thrust needed to maintain a forward direction. It maintains a rotary motion in which it creates a difference in air pressure between the front and back surfaces of its blades. The shape of the blade contributes to the pressure difference and air displacement. The rotary motion allows the blades to do their job. Most propellers require an engines assistance to spin. Read more >>

The propeller system is the earliest thrust generator designed for fully powered aircraft flight. Though they have evolved quite a bit since their first operation by the Wright brothers in 1903, propellers utilize essentially the same principles of motion. Let’s take a look at how they work. Read more >>

 "If I told you half the things I've heard about this Jabba the Hutt, you'd probably short circuit." Since you’re here, these words said to R2D2 in the film Return of the Jedi are probably not the first time you’ve heard of a short circuit. A short circuit is one of the many issues electronic and electrical protection devices are designed to prevent.  Read more >>

Heat exchangers are used to transfer heat from one source to another. Thermal energy is transferred from one source to another without water and gas coming into contact with each other. These heat exchangers are commonly used in a variety of aircraft components. In aviation, flat tube and plate-fin heat exchangers are the most commonly used in aviation. These components must be properly cleaned in order to function smoothly. Read more >>

Heat exchangers are used to transfer heat from one source to another. Thermal energy is transferred from one source to another without water and gas coming into contact with each other. These heat exchangers are commonly used in a variety of aircraft components. In aviation, flat tube and plate-fin heat exchangers are the most commonly used in aviation. These components must be properly cleaned in order to function smoothly. Read more >>

One of the most important components to making flying safe is the actuator, a “mover” that uses a control signal and power source in order to move and control a mechanism or system. They play a vital role in flight and control, ensuring safety of the aircraft and passengers. In the case of aircraft actuators, they are used in landing gear, flaps— and, in the military, weapons systems. Read more >>

The most expensive and important part of an aircraft is easily the engine. Sometimes you don’t have any other option than to overhaul your current engine. It can be a frustrating process, but it gets easier when you know who to turn to and what needs to be done. Read more >>