Aerospace, Aviation and Connectors Blog

Bearings are critical components that serve to reduce friction between the moving parts present in many mechanical systems. Among the many subtypes of bearings available on the market, self-aligning bearings stand out for their unique ability to accommodate misalignment, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging conditions. This guide will provide an in-depth overview of self-aligning bearings, including how they work, their applications, and the advantages and drawbacks of various types. Read more >>

In the realm of fasteners, two types of screws often find themselves at the forefront of operations: self-tapping screws and thread-cutting screws. Both play crucial roles in countless applications, but understanding where they vary is essential for selecting the right fastener for the job. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between self-tapping and thread-cutting screws so you can most effectively choose the right kind for any situation. Read more >>

In the realm of electrical circuits, capacitors play a crucial role in storing and releasing electrical energy. Among the various types of capacitors, the paper dielectric capacitor holds a significant place. With its unique composition and properties, this reliable capacitor performs in numerous electronic devices. In this article, we will explore the world of paper dielectric capacitors by shedding light on their construction, functionality, and applications in electrical circuits. Read more >>

As the most common type of rotary-wing aircraft, helicopters come in a large variety of designs to suit different environments and applications. One major way to differentiate the types is by the number of engines they employ to run the main rotor blades and other powered components. As a key safety feature, using multiple engines is often required for flying over certain areas; however, one should not discount the benefits of a single-engine design. To learn more about the key differences between these two varieties, read on as we discuss some major considerations. Read more >>

Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft are unique in their ability to fly in any direction, including being able to fly vertically and hover over land. However, to safely navigate and steer these vehicles, it is crucial to have control over the direction of flight. As helicopters are the most common example of rotary-wing aircraft, this blog will explore the mechanisms and controls used to manage the direction of flight for such vessels. Read more >>

For a majority of passenger aircraft that feature turbine engines, cabin oxygen and heat is provided by engine bleed air. This pressurized air is extremely hot before entering the cabin, making it essential that it is cooled as necessary for comfort. While air conditioning is often considered a luxury in other settings, it is absolutely essential in many aircraft to ensure that the air supplied for breathing is treated for safety, quality, etc. In this blog, we will discuss the various parts that make up aircraft air conditioning systems, allowing you to have a better understanding of how cabins are supplied with breathable air. Read more >>

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are a quickly advancing technology, finding use in applications ranging from hobbyist projects to military operations. While many consumers are familiar with the small drones that may be purchased from a retail store for private use, drones can widely vary in their size and construction to accommodate a number of needs. Rotary-wing UAVs are quite popular, and they come in types like monocopters, single-rotor UAVs, twin-rotor UAVS, and multi-rotor UAVs. In this blog, we will discuss each rotary wing subcategory in brief detail, allowing you to be more familiar with the common options on the market. Read more >>

Valves are common devices found in various applications involving the movement of fluids or materials, capable of managing flow and direction. Depending on the needs of a particular application, there are a variety of valve subtypes that one may take advantage of, each featuring different elements and capabilities. In the realm of aviation, solenoid valves are a common feature of aircraft, and they are electromechanically operated devices. With a solenoid valve, one can shut off, dose, distribute, or mix fluids through electromechanical operation, making them highly reliable, safe, and optimal for more remote operations. In this blog, we will discuss how solenoid valves work and how they are used in aircraft. Read more >>

As modern aircraft move away from mechanical systems powered by hydraulics and pneumatics, we are seeing a huge shift toward electrical power distribution systems due to the benefits they provide. Nonetheless, no system can be widely adopted without being proven safe, reliable, and durable. To better understand why electrical power distribution systems are being used on aircraft today, we will provide an overview of such systems and how they operate. Read more >>

When discussing IT hardware and electronics, a circuit card assembly (CCA) is an apparatus that comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) with various components already attached. Circuit card assemblies are found in many applications, supporting the operations of smartphones, cars, and countless other systems that we commonly rely on in the modern age. While a circuit card assembly is quite advanced, it remains very compact for the benefit of downsizing assemblies. In this blog, we will discuss the manufacturing process of circuit card assemblies, allowing you to better understand how such technology is produced. Read more >>

While bearings are critical components in vital aviation systems, they account for about 51% of all electric motor failures. They play the important roles of guiding and constraining motion, reducing friction, and providing support, so failure(s) can occur in many forms and have various detrimental effects. Failures vary by bearing type and function, but typically include normal wear and tear, lubrication issues, contamination, or electrical damage that affects bearing surfaces. As many of these issues are preventable, this blog will further explore the different types of sleeve bearings, their applications, and how to avoid bearing failure through repairs and routine maintenance. Read more >>

When electric machinery runs, it generates heat, which in turn requires regulation through a cooling system. In aircraft, machinery like generators are frequently managed with oil spray cooling; however, this technique demands large amounts of oil and causes excessive rotor friction, that of which lessens efficiency. For this reason, this blog will explore alternative cooling approaches and their benefits for aviation applications. A major concern when seeking cooling technologies for high power density machines in aircraft is the weight they will add to the system, so low-weight methods like direct slot cooling (DSC) have become promising approaches. Read more >>