NSN Supplies Blog

While hydraulic systems will often vary based on an aircraft’s size, design, and general needs, most feature the same key components that provide standard functionality. At the heart of the system is a reservoir, which holds fluids that are used for power transfer. To move fluids within a network of pipes and hoses, pumps are used to create pressure. With the use of a pressure relief valve and similar devices, levels within the system can be managed to prevent damage and ensure enough power for a given task. Another notable component is an accumulator, which stores hydraulic fluid under pressure so that responses can be quickly made for any sudden changes in demand. In order to carry out work, the pressure from fluids is converted into mechanical motion by actuators. While this explanation is simplified, it serves to paint a picture of how fluid dynamics can be harnessed for the execution of various mechanical processes.

In the realm of aviation and electrical work, having the right tools in your toolbox can make all the difference. Whether you are dealing with electrical wires or aircraft cables, ensuring clean and precise cuts is essential to maintaining safety and reliability. One indispensable tool in this regard is the cable cutter, a versatile device designed to slice through cables cleanly and efficiently. In this blog, we will explore the art of cable cutting, the various tools available, and how to achieve fray-free results.

As airlines make their best efforts to reduce costs, more and more airports are reevaluating the efficiency of MRO facilities, with specific focus on ground service equipment (GSE). About 100,000 flights take off across the world daily, so it is not a surprise that airlines are making a partial or total switch to electric GSE to reduce costs and their environmental footprint. Through the implementation of electric GSE, airports have revolutionized ground operations by supplying ground crews with cleaner, more energy-efficient technology.

Aircraft maneuver their way through different parts of flight, they must move their various control surfaces accordingly, such as the ailerons and rudders. With controls for such parts located in the cockpit, the pilot can manually operate all of the control surfaces, however fly-by-wire exists in most modern aircraft to reduce the pilot’s responsibility. With many benefits for both the pilot and the flight, fly-by-wire has replaced mechanical and hydraulic systems in the majority of aircraft, from military planes to commercial jets. As such, this blog will offer a look at how this came to be and why fly-by-wire is such a popular choice.

When working with various instruments used for measuring values and troubleshooting in industrial applications, it is important that they are well calibrated for the means of ensuring accurate results and readings. Deviations in calibration can occur as a result of various reasons, and it is important that they are addressed before the instrument is used. Incorrect readings and measurements can lead to losses in performance, accidents, and much more as systems and components function differently than intended.

Due to their high efficiency and robustness, piston pumps find use in a wide range of applications. A piston pump is a type of reciprocating pump that is utilized to displace liquids or compressed gasses from one point to another. The piston moves up and down in the compression cylinder, and it is connected with a crankshaft that is supplied power by an electric motor to drive the piston. They are particularly useful in applications where there is a requirement of high consistent pressure.

Flying a drone is a difficult task and tracking its orientation is quite challenging, especially for new pilots. If you are not an experienced pilot, then you might get confused with the drone’s orientation during flight. The headless mode of a drone makes flight easy by maintaining its orientation in the right direction. In this blog, we will discuss the headless mode on drones–a featured flight mode that helps pilots demonstrate a drones orientation easily.

During flight, it is imperative that the pilot has the ability to monitor all flight characteristics to ensure that safety and efficiency is maintained throughout an operation. The speed that an aircraft is traveling at is very important, often having an effect on fuel efficiency, structural integrity, and the ability to undertake certain flight maneuvers. Pilots have long relied on the airspeed indicator (ASI) for obtaining airspeed measurements, such readings provided in terms of kilometers per hour, miles per hour, knots, or meters per second. When utilizing instrument readings, it is important to understand the differences between various types of airspeeds, those of which are indicated airspeed, calibrated airspeed, and true airspeed.

Dashpots and snubbers are common devices for pneumatic applications, allowing for the movement of a load to be managed for achieving optimal deceleration and motion damping. While snubbers and dashpots are separate components with different characteristics, both devices share the common feature of having a glass cylinder, polished bore, and precision piston. Additionally, both devices operate through the use of ambient air that is controllably forced through an orifice. Nevertheless, dashpots are commonly used for managing force and velocity with precision, while snubbers promise accurate impact control for damping. To better understand the roles of both part types and their uses, we will briefly discuss each.

It is imperative for all pilots to refer to a preflight checklist before takeoff. Commonly referred to as a before-flight checklist, every proficient pilot should understand and follow a written preflight checklist regulated by the FAA. While some pilots incorporate a mental checklist along with flow patterns when performing a preflight inspection, an appropriate checklist should also be used to solidify any actions performed on an aircraft. Though some pilots choose to disregard checklists and their practice, such decisions can result in a potentially preventable situation resulting in injury or a fatal accident. To gain a better perspective on why preflight checklists are to be used, we will go over how they have adapted to suit pilots and modern flight requirements.