If you’re a fan of Air Crash Investigation, you’ve probably seen episodes where a plane’s engines totally “flame out” or lose power mid-flight. It’s a nerve-wracking situation because the plane loses hydraulic pressure, making it tough for pilots to steer. But don’t worry, there’s a backup plan for this kind of engine failure: it’s called a Ram Air Turbine, or “RAT” for short.
So what’s the deal with the RAT? It lets pilots still move the wing’s control surfaces, helping them steer the plane even when the engines are out. Curious about how a Ram Air Turbine works and what it’s used for?
What is a Ram Air Turbine?
A Ram Air Turbine is a small device installed in an aircraft, either in the fuselage or wing. It’s connected to an electrical generator or a hydraulic pump. The RAT generates power from the airstream, which is directly related to the speed of the aircraft. So, if the plane is moving fast, the RAT will produce more power.
Modern aircraft usually rely on RATs only in emergencies. These emergencies can include the loss of hydraulic systems or the failure of primary electrical generation. When such situations arise, the RAT powers vital systems like flight controls, navigation, and communication equipment. Some RATs are specialized to produce only hydraulic power, which is then used to power an electrical generator.
How is it Deployed?
Under regular flying conditions, the RAT stays hidden in a compartment. It can be manually deployed when needed or, in some aircraft, it will automatically deploy if there’s a complete loss of AC power. During the time between the loss of power and the deployment of the RAT, aircraft batteries take over to keep essential systems running.
The Evolution and Modern Usage of RATs
RATs have come a long way since their early days. In the past, small RATs were permanently mounted on some aircraft, including airships, to operate small electrical generators or fuel pumps. Nowadays, most modern aircraft generate power through their main engines or an auxiliary power unit. Many commercial airliners, like the Vickers VC10 from the 1960s, are equipped with RATs. The Airbus A380 boasts the largest RAT in the world, with a diameter of 1.63 meters.
RATs are not just limited to commercial or military aircraft. They are also used in specialized applications like crop dusting. In these cases, RATs power centrifugal pumps to pressurize the spray systems. The primary reason for using a RAT in such applications is safety, as it allows the aircraft’s engine and power systems to remain unmodified.
The Ram Air Turbine plays a vital role in keeping flights safe and systems running smoothly in emergency situations.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
