Some aircraft cockpits feature a large blue lever located next to the throttle. This the propeller controller, and is used to set the propeller and engine speed for an aircraft with a constant speed propeller. Constant speed propellers work by varying the pitch of the propeller blades, which alters the in-flight properties of the propeller. As the propeller blade angle is increased, it produces more thrust, but also requires more torque to spin the propeller, which slows down the engine. Inversely, when the blade angle is decreased, the torque required is decreased, and the engine speeds up. Read more >>

How is an aircraft capable of flight? A key component in their ability to fly is the type of engine the plane houses and the parts that construct the engine. Aircraft engines are designed with the same core components across different planes, including fans, compressors, combustors, turbines, and nozzles. When these parts operate in unison, flight is possible. If any one of these parts was missing, then flight wouldn’t be achievable. The individual parts of the engine may be small be they contribute to a wholesome larger picture. Many aircraft today utilize gas powered turbine engines because of their efficacy, reliability, and performance. There are four main types of turbine engines in operation today: the turbojet, turboprop, turbofan, and turboshaft engine. Read more >>

A Swiss engineer, Alfred Buchi, patented the turbocharger in 1905, but it wasn’t used until 1923 when it was incorporated into large marine engines used in the construction of two passenger liners. This was commissioned by the German Ministry of Transport. Turbochargers were first used in production aircraft engines in the 1920s but were kept out of widespread use due to the need for high-temperature metals for the turbine. Using turbochargers can improve an engine's fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and generate more power. Read more >>

Humans travel a lot. Whether by car or by plane, as a collective, humans travel a lot. And in doing so, we’ve driven an entire industry without even knowing it. To be specific, the wheels and brakes industry. From manufacturing to maintenance and servicing, the wheels and brakes of aircraft and ground vehicles alike have begun to develop at alarming speeds.  Read more >>

The Airbus industry is accelerating with a new UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) underway from BAE systems and Prismatic. The collaborated development will be powered by solar energy and will be the first high altitude, long endurance UAV known as PHASA-35. This new aircraft will be the first to offer a year-round endurance without stopping for servicing. The PHASA-35 will be charged through solar energy during the day, so it can continue soaring through the night. Read more >>