PlaneParts360 Blog

The terms wire harness and cable assembly are often used interchangeably but what many people do not know is that they are very different and distinct. The actual items themselves have very similar functions but their function and design operate significantly differently. Note that they are unique in their own way because a wire is basically a piece of material that can conduct electric currents, with some examples being copper and aluminum. On the other hand, a cable is not the same because it consists of two or more wires that are bonded together. You can sometimes find them to be braided or melded together as one, which explains why you might see cables that appear like bundles of intertwined wires. For more information on the difference between a cable assembly and a wire harness, read the article below.

Electronic assemblies and systems can be complex, containing a variety of parts and components that all work together to provide for operations. Connectors, terminals, and connector assemblies are all critical electrical components to many systems, and some may be unaware of their independent functions, capabilities, and applications. To help you understand the three and further your knowledge on electrical systems, we will discuss each and their individual functions.

A capacitor is an electrical device that stores energy in an electric field. The effect of a capacitor, a passive component with two terminals, is known as capacitance. Capacitance is the ratio of change in electric charge of a system to the corresponding change in its electric potential. There are many different types of capacitors, ranging from very small, delicate trimming capacitors used in oscillators of radio circuits, to large metal-can type capacitors found in high voltage power correction circuits. Generally speaking, there are three categories of capacitors: dielectric, ceramic, and electrolytic. This blog will explain each of them, their subtypes, and what makes them unique.

Relays are important electrical components that, at their most basic, act as an electrically operated switch. A relay is often used within a system to control a circuit with an independent low-power signal or for multiple control signals. Relays consist of a set of input terminals, and they often serve as the main protection and switching device for control processes and equipment. There are multiple different relay types, each providing for various applications or functions such as protective, reclosing, regulating, auxiliary, and monitoring relays. In this blog, we will discuss some of the main relay types, their components, and provided functions.

The gas turbine engine, also known as a combustion turbine engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that utilizes the ignition of a fuel and air mixture to produce thrust and propulsion for an aircraft to sustain flight. There are various types of the aircraft turbine engine, and these include the turbojet, turboprop, turboshaft, and turbofan engine. Although each may differ in areas such as their compressor parts, as well as each provide various advantages and disadvantages, there are some common components that can be found across all types of the gas turbine engine. These include the air inlet, compressor parts, combustion chamber, turbine section, and exhaust parts.

U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft supercarriers are comprised of over one billion individual parts and components. Despite this, when you break them down into their base functions, they are pretty easy to understand. They are tasked with four main functions: to transport aircraft overseas, launch and land aircraft, serve as a mobile command center for military operation, and house all the men and women stationed on the carrier. To carry out these tasks, each part of the carrier has an important job.

Turbine engines were a huge advancement in aviation, allowing for unprecedented flight capabilities. Generally speaking, turbine engines are classified based on whether the compressor is centrifugal flow, axial flow, or a combination of the two. Further distinctions are made based on the path the air takes through the engine and how power is produced. Turbine engines come in four basic types: turbojet, turboprop, turbofan, and turboshaft.

At the very first glance, the cockpit of an aircraft may seem like complex or daunting technology. While an intricate system to control the aircraft’s rotation, center of gravity, and direction is certainly necessary, the system, when learned and written into muscle memory, is certainly manageable for pilots. The cockpit of each aircraft is made similarly enough so that when a pilot enters the cockpit of a new aircraft, they can recognize the basic and most important components. 

If you are intending to purchase a new aircraft, then it’s important that you know the parts essentials of maintaining it. One piece necessary for maintaining the part is multi-link towbar heads. A versatile tool, the Multi-link aircraft towbar is a device that is used to pull up the front landing gear on a small aircraft.

Aircraft landing gear is a hugely important component of any aircraft. Aside from landing, it is also necessary for taxiing and take off. The three main functioning components of aircraft landing gear are the shock-absorber cylinders, shock-absorber pistons, and tires. Unsurprisingly, the shock-absorbers undergo extreme stress as the aircraft touches down, but it’s not always clear how much. Determining the wear on your landing gear is important, as it will inform you when it’s time to repair or replace it.