What Does This Small But Effective Whisk On Airplanes Do?

These air turbines, which you probably didn’t realize before, are available on some models. in the trunk while others are found on the wing.

Although at first glance it may seem like it’s not that important, it’s actually is of vital importance. Let’s talk in detail about what exactly it does and how it is so important:

This propeller system is activated in case of emergency and generates the electricity needed by the aircraft.

The ram air turbine contains an electric motor and is a vital instrument for the aircraft. generates energy for electrical systems. It only comes into play in emergencies because normally the engines produce the electricity needed by the aircraft.

The ram air turbine generates power from the airflow created by the speed of the aircraft.

These turbines, which are one of the spare systems of the aircraft, provide 5000-6950 RPM rotation to their propellers; thus providing the necessary hydraulic pressure to the main flight control systems and the backup electrical generator. the plane to fly safely provides.

In a scenario where two engines stop at once; ram air turbine takes on the task of savior.

In emergency situations, depending on the model of the aircraft, it is activated automatically or activated by the pilots. required for flight maintain the most basic functions This is possible thanks to the turbine.

Although we say small, the diameter of the propellers of these air turbines is 80 cm on average. So it is small compared to the plane.

The version on the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, is It is 163 cm. The passenger plane model in which this turbine was first used was the Vickers VC10, which was produced in England in the 1960s.

The ram air turbine, which intervened in emergencies and saved many lives, played a vital role in a famous accident that was also the subject of the movie “Sully”.

On January 15, 2009, a plane crashed into a flock of birds in New York just after takeoff, and the plane crashed. both engines He had completely lost power. The pilots made a decision in a very short time and activated the auxiliary power unit (APU: auxiliary power unit) and air turbine of the aircraft.

In this way, the pilots, who were able to use the electrical circuits, were able to continue to command the Airbus A320 type aircraft, which performed US Airways flight 1549, and then to the Hudson River managed to make a successful emergency landing.

These turbines are not available in all models.

For example; The Boeing 737’s flight control system is maintained by pilots at least as long as the aircraft’s electrical supplies run out. for 60 minutes It is designed to be controllable.

It can also be used outside of passenger planes.

It doesn’t take much speed for the propellers to spin. Also, although small very noisy works.

Sources: Sky Brary, Airline 101