NSN Supplies Blog

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.

Aircraft engines provide the means of flight through the combustion of fuel-and-air mixtures, and this continuous process can generate large amounts of heat which can damage components if not controlled. In the early days of aviation, piston aircraft would achieve engine cooling by placing the assembly in the flow of air, but this method became more difficult as engines grew in complexity and size.

Since the introduction of RAM, many types have been developed and put into use. However, in the 21st century, DDR RAM has proven more popular than the other types. There are four types of DDR RAM: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4. In this blog, we will look at the technical, physical, and performance differences between the four types.

While aircraft are technically capable of transporting themselves across airports in order to go to and from gates, runways, and hangers, such procedures can often prove hazardous or wasteful as compared to other options. Generally, aircraft tugs and towbars are the most common equipment for safely moving aircraft on the ground, and they can range from simple hand held equipment pieces to remote controlled vehicles. As various aircraft tug types present different methods and capabilities for aircraft transportation, it can be useful to familiarize yourself with the most common types used.

When operating a computer system, all active data is stored within Random Access Memory (RAM) chips. As the data that RAM reads and writes is what allows programs and applications to be executed, it is important that there is a system in place to manage these processes. The memory controller is a component that is installed onto a motherboard similar to RAM and other IT hardware, and it manages all reading and writing procedures of RAM as well as is used to supply RAM with electric current for its functionality.

A strut is a common structural component that can be found in a number of industries and applications for adding resistance for assemblies against longitudinal compression. When used for aircraft construction in particular, struts are a bracing element that was originally used to add strength and rigidity to the main functional aircraft frame. Since then, struts have changed in their applications and now serve new uses for aircraft assemblies with their provided capabilities. In this blog, we will discuss the aircraft strut and its servicing, allowing you to best care for your aircraft and its components.

A propeller is a device used to transform rotary motion into linear thrust. On drones, also known as UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles, propellers create lift by spinning and creating an airflow which results in a difference in pressure at the top and bottom of the propeller surfaces. This pressure difference accelerates a mass of air in one direction, thereby providing lift to counteract the forces of gravity.

As aircraft rely on hydraulic systems, fuel components, and other such fluid apparatuses for their standard operations, it is important that there are methods and mechanisms in place for measuring pressure. This is due to the fact that aircraft constantly undergo changes in altitude, weather, and temperature as they conduct flight operations, all of which cause changes in pressure. Furthermore, pressure can also be utilized by many instruments in order to provide the pilot with flight-pertinent information for the means of conducting safe operations. In this blog, we will provide an overview of some of the main types of pressure measuring instruments and mechanisms in aircraft, allowing you to better understand their uses and importance.