Aircraft Power Failure: Emergency Deployment of Rapid Aviation Technologies
Wondering about aircraft safety during an emergency? Fear not, there's a hidden gem on your plane that ensures your safety!
Who knew a tiny wind turbine could make such a difference? The so-called RAT, or Ram Air Turbine, is a small yet mighty power generator that revs up during an emergency, saving the day when the primary electric and hydraulic systems fail.
This ingenious device operates by tapping into the airflow generated by the aircraft's forward motion. As the plane cruises along, the turbine spins, fueling either a generator to zap power to vital systems or a hydraulic pump to keep them running smoothly.
So what exactly does this RAT do?
- Emergency Power: Acting as a standby power source, the RAT snaps into action when the primary electric and hydraulic systems fail, providing essential power to maintain control and keep the aircraft flying.
- Mechanism of Action: The RAT is stored neatly away in the fuselage or wings of the aircraft. When emergencies arise, it's deployed automatically or manually and immediately begins cranking out power as the aircraft continues its flight.
In times of crisis, the RAT truly shines, providing power for vital functions like flight controls, navigation systems, and instruments. Its versatility extends to military and civilian aircraft, enhancing safety across various aircraft types.
So next time you board a plane, you'll know that flying isn't just about the engines on the wings. It's also about a little wind turbine waiting in the wings, ready to save the day in case of emergency! This unsung hero, the RAT, has even been credited with saving as many as 1,700 lives!
If you've got a favorite aircraft safety feature that's slipped under the radar, drop us a comment below!
This life-saving nugget of trivia was brought to you by Jalopnik.
Behind the Scenes:
A Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is an essential emergency power source used in aircraft during scenarios where primary electric and hydraulic systems fail, such as total power loss. Here's a deeper look at its features and role in critical situations:
- Function: The RAT operates as a backup power generator that activates when primary power sources fail. Its primary purpose is to supply power to essential systems required for maintaining control and operation of the aircraft during emergencies.
- Mechanism: The RAT is composed of a small wind turbine that captures airflow (ram air) generated by the aircraft's forward motion, causing the turbine to spin and ultimately driving either a generator or a hydraulic pump, supplying power to critical systems like flight controls, hydraulic systems, and instrumentation.
- Deployment: The RAT is normally stowed within the fuselage or wing of the aircraft, and it is either deployed automatically or manually when emergency conditions are detected. This rapid deployment enables the RAT to immediately generate power as the aircraft continues to fly, ensuring that essential functions remain operational.
- Role: The RAT truly excels in critical situations, especially when an aircraft experiences total power loss. Its power can help maintain essential functions until the aircraft can safely land, supporting vital functions like providing power for flight controls and navigation systems.
- Applications: While commonly associated with commercial aviation, the RAT is also employed in military aircraft not only during emergencies but sometimes during normal operations for specific systems. Its flexibility makes it an indispensable safety feature across various aircraft types.
- Design: The RAT's design can vary depending on the size and requirements of the aircraft. Some RATs are specifically configured to generate hydraulic power, which then powers electrical generators, offering flexibility in the delivery of emergency power.
In conclusion, the Ram Air Turbine plays a pivotal role in aircraft safety by providing emergency power in critical situations, ensuring that essential systems remain operational despite failures in primary power sources. This capability is invaluable for maintaining control and allowing for a safe landing during emergencies.
- The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) serves as a standby power source, activating when primary electric and hydraulic systems fail, providing vital power to maintain control and keep the aircraft flying.
- The RAT, a small wind turbine, is normally stowed within the fuselage or wing of the aircraft. When emergencies arise, it deploys automatically or manually and begins producing power as the aircraft continues its flight.
- During emergencies, this tiny yet powerful device supplies power for essential functions like flight controls, navigation systems, and instruments, enhancing safety for both civilian and military aircraft.
- The RAT's versatility in providing emergency power makes it an indispensable safety feature across various aircraft types, even being credited with saving as many as 1,700 lives.
