An Introduction to Aircraft Components
Ever since the first powered, heavier-than-air flight in 1903, a multitude of fixed-wing aircraft types and representations have come about from a variety of manufacturers and developers. While designs of aircraft have constantly evolved and undergone innovation to meet needed applications, some primary components have become concrete to aircraft design. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of some of these primary aircraft components that are featured across most designs, and how they serve aircraft flight operations.
The fuselage of the aircraft is the main bodily structure which contains the cabin and/or cockpit, as well as attachment points for other fixed-wing aircraft components. The aircraft fuselage may come in various construction designs as well, and these include the truss, geodesic, monocoque, and semi-monocoque structures. While early aircraft featured wood frames with fabric coverings, a majority of modern aircraft fuselage designs implement aluminum, carbon fiber, and other materials that provide optimal strength-to-weight ratios.
Attached to each side of the fuselage are the aircraft wings, serving as airfoils to generate lift for flight. Depending on the manufacture and intended aircraft operations, a number of wing types may be implemented. In general, wings are either attached to the top, middle, or bottom portion of the fuselage, and the number of aircraft wings may vary. If an aircraft has a single pair of wings, it is referred to as a monoplane. Meanwhile biplanes refer to those with two sets.
Towards the rear of the plane is the empennage, or tail, which provides for stability during flight. From the empennage, the yaw and pitch of the aircraft may be controlled, as well as various flight control surfaces that are housed. While tailless fixed-wing aircraft are fairly uncommon, some designs may utilize a tail fin as a vertical stabilizer.
Control surfaces are aircraft components that allow for the aircraft to move about in three dimensions. Typically, such control surfaces are placed on the ends of the aircraft wings and tail so that they may provide optimal response and strength. As more movement capability causes an aircraft to become unstable, stabilizers are installed across the fuselage and wing design to counteract such forces.
Alongside control devices, lift control devices are also critical fixed-wing aircraft components that allow for a pilot to adjust the lift that is generated by the wings. With flaps, more lift can be produced with aircraft wings while travelling at the same speed. Typically, these are used during landings and takeoffs. Spoilers have the opposite effect, as they are placed vertically across the airfoil in order to reduce lift during touchdown. With slats placed on the leading edge of the wing, the distribution of lift can be spread more optimally, allowing for extra lift at low speeds.
Beyond the structure of the aircraft, there are also a variety of internal and external aircraft components that provide for important flight functions. With engines and propulsion devices, aircraft can utilize power to produce the propulsion needed to sustain flight. Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric systems are also featured across the aircraft in order to utilize and actuate flight control surfaces, landing gear, brakes, and more. Lastly, avionics, navigation lights, and other such aircraft components further aid the pilot in achieving a safe and successful flight.
When it comes time to begin sourcing aircraft parts and components that you need for your operations, Accelerating RFQs has you covered with everything you are searching for. Accelerating RFQs is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aviation parts, NSN, and electronic parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA AC 00-56B accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@acceleratingrfqs.com or call us at +1-780-851-3631.
