Purchasing Synergy Blog

The yaw damper system encompasses a series of accelerometers and sensors that monitor an aircraft’s rate of yaw. Generally, these are electronically connected to an onboard flight computer that processes various inputs and automatically controls actuators connected to the rudder. Together with the aircraft’s ailerons, the rudder pushes the tail to the right and left to guide the aircraft along this axis. You can think of the yaw damper as an automated pair of feet on the rudder pedals.

In general, the rudder is responsible for shifting the shape of the vertical stabilizer’s airfoil, increasing drag and allowing the aircraft to move accordingly. For further context, yaw motion is defined as side to side movement of the aircraft nose and it is usually caused by the deflection of the rudder. The change in side force generated by deflecting the rudder creates a torque about the center of gravity, causing the airplane to rotate.

The nacelle of an aircraft is a type of housing or enclosure that may be situated somewhere on the airframe, and it typically serves to house cargo, passengers, or equipment. For example, an engine nacelle is a common feature of aircraft where the engine itself is often stored. Generally, these spaces are elongated and tubular, and they are most often perpendicular to the wing while sitting parallel with the cabin. In this blog, we will discuss the history of the nacelle in the scope of military aircraft, allowing you to have a better understanding of their historical uses.

As powered aviation became increasingly popular in the 1920s and 1930s, engineers and manufacturers began to seek ways in which drag could be reduced for the benefit of increased performance and efficiency. Through various experimentation, things like the single-wing design and the use of lightweight materials became much more popular. Around this time was also when wind tunnel testing became widespread, making the experimentation process more optimal. This all eventually led to the implementation of nacelle structures on aircraft for drag reduction, and they were heavily used during World War II for fighter aircraft like the P-38 that featured three separate nacelles.

Hydraulic systems are a staple of modern aircraft, such technology taking advantage of the properties of compressed fluids situated in enclosed spaces to create harnessable force. With hydraulic systems, aircraft are able to effectively control flight surfaces, deploy and retract landing gear, and much more. In this blog, we will provide a brief and basic overview of the aircraft hydraulic system, allowing you to have a better understanding of its design, use, and capabilities.

Aircraft are generally serviced and maintained by Ground Service Equipment (GSE) which consists of service carts like tow trucks as well as repair or replacement components. Aerospace GSE supports a wide range of intricate systems by providing hydraulic test stands, compressors, nitrogen, cooling air and various components such as hydraulic quick couplings. Due to the services GSE provides, hydraulic aircraft GSE must be properly maintained according to the OEM operations manual, allowing the service team to carry out trouble-free service and prevent costly problems.

For applications that require moving parts that rely on the rotational motion of shafts, a roller bearing should be employed to mitigate movement. Roller bearings allow for additional support and reduced friction within such mechanisms. As they are common components in many systems across various industry verticals, roller bearings are available in a vast array of designs to fit different applications. When you are looking for certain aviation applications, such as aircraft fuel pumps, the best option is a tapered roller bearing, those of which contain an inner ring, outer ring, and a number of tapered rollers. Shaped like a cone, these mechanisms are able to withstand heavy axial and radial loads. As such, they are quite versatile, so this blog will explore the workings of tapered roller bearings for your better knowledge for various applications.

In its most basic form, a solenoid is a coil of wire that is wound around a core. Generally, the core has two parts, which consists of a stationary core and a moveable armature, with both parts being spring-loaded. When an electrical current is introduced, a magnetic field moves the armature away from the stationary core or towards it, depending on the solenoid’s use and construction. When the current stops, the spring brings the armature back to its original position.

For an aircraft to optimally and safely fly, it must rely on its various systems and flight surfaces for the means of properly manipulating airflow to maintain lift and a desired attitude. While the engines provide power for thrust and wings create significant lift, they are not the only important elements for flight. Strakes are an often overshadowed flight surface found on fixed-wing aircraft, and typically are featured on the fuselage for managing airflow or establishing a simple stabilizing effect. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of strake aircraft components and their use, allowing you to better understand their importance for standard operations.

Curious about ATA codes? In this article, we will cover information frequently asked about ATA codes and ATA chapters, and why they are standard for commercial aviation applications. 

Tires are integral components of an aircraft’s landing system. Preventing airplanes from landing directly on their bellies, tires are equipped to withstand the weight of the aircraft and the friction it creates on the runway. While some aircraft have four or six tires, others may contain up to 10 tires, depending on the size of the aircraft.

When compared to other connector options, the key differentiating factor in blind mate connectors is their mating action. In most electronic assemblies where the connector components cannot be seen or felt, there may be a risk of conducting unsafe or incorrect mating attempts. This is where blind mate connectors come into play. These connectors allow perfect mating to happen when there are sight and touch restrictions.