ASAP Aviation Procurement Blog

As a vital aspect of mechanical systems, lubrication provides a protective layer between moving parts to reduce friction and wear. With that said, different applications require specific types of lubrication systems to establish optimal performance and longevity. To better understand them, we will explore the purpose of lubrication systems by shedding light on how they work, in addition to the various types commonly employed, that way you can best find a solution for your particular needs.

Rotary-wing aircraft are powerful machines that allow us to reach places that are inaccessible by fixed-wing aircraft or on foot. However, they can also be dangerous if not operated with caution. For this reason, we will outline why it is essential to understand the safety considerations associated with operating rotary-wing aircraft such as helicopters.

Dowel pins are a common form of industrial fastener, capable of joining two or more parts together in an assembly. While dowel pins may be made from wood, metal, or plastic, they tend to always be short, cylindrical rods that are tapered, slotted, or grooved. As dowel pins find common use in maintaining accurate alignment for machine components or for acting as location guides, it can be useful to have a basic understanding of such fasteners and their various types on the market.

Even the largest aircraft depend on millions of small parts, many of which are a form of actuator. Actuators are devices that convert electricity into pressure, temperature, or mechanical movements. As such, nearly every process on an airplane depends on some type of actuator. Though it would take many more articles to discuss each and every actuator device aboard an aircraft, many of them can be separated into major categories. Generally, there are hydraulic and pneumatic systems, as well as new actuator technologies like hydraulically amplified self-heating electrostatic (HASEL) actuators.

Avionics are defined as the electronic systems found on aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. In fact, it is these systems that make flight possible, allowing pilots to operate aircraft safely. The term “avionics” comes from combining “aviation” with “electronics,” and it is a term familiar to many in the aerospace world. In this blog, we will cover the seven systems that make up the basics of avionics.

If you own or operate an aircraft, it is important that the vehicle is well maintained to uphold performance, safety, and reliability of all parts and systems. It is often required to carry out various types of inspections on a regular basis, and regular maintenance can prevent the chance of needing to carry out costly and time-consuming repairs. As such, one should become familiar with the basic types of maintenance that must be carried out, alongside common tips to extend surface lives and deter wear and tear.

Stealth aircraft are designed to remain undetected by using a variety of technologies that reduce the reflection/emission of radar, infrared, visible light, radio frequency, and audio, all of which are under the umbrella of stealth technology. Stealth technology, or low observable technology, is a subdiscipline of military tactics and passive and active electronic countermeasures that cover a wide range of methods used to make aircraft, ships, missiles, and other vehicles or weapons less visible to radar, infrared, sonar, and other various detection methods.

Every piece of machinery is important on an aircraft, and their largest parts, such as wings and the fuselage, are dependent on the smallest fasteners. Those miniscule pieces like bolts, nuts, rivets, and more, may be much more commercially available, but it is just as important that they are aircraft-grade quality. AN, MS, and NAS standards have been created to ensure that the right components are continually used on aircraft to guarantee safety, even on a vehicle which regularly endures rough treatment. Commercial-grade fasteners are typically made of lower-quality materials such as low-carbon steel which have reduced tensile strength and resistance to corrosion. For this reason, it is crucial that one always chooses aircraft-grade hardware that is verified by its AN, MS, or NAS accreditation. Here is a short guide of relevant information for the various aircraft hardware available, all of which are offered on our website.

Since engines wear out as a result of high temperatures, vibration, friction, corrosion, and damage from the ingestion of foreign objects, this combination of stressors, coupled with the high speed of the rotating engine, causes mental fatigue over time. To ensure your engine remains reliable and durable, routine engine maintenance is paramount. In fact, maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations can increase the service life of an engine, eliminating the need for extensive and expensive repairs in the long run.

As aircraft are subjected to a wide-range of environmental extremes and unprecedented stressors, they may experience fatigue or structural failure over time. To be considered airworthy, aircraft undergo rigorous testing before being deemed safe and certified for flight. According to Boeing, equipment and structural failure accounts for about 20% of aircraft accidents, while mechanical failure is attributed for nearly 80%.