Ram Air Turbine Systems for Military and Civilian Use

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Airplane Engine
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Ram air turbine systems are used in both military and civilian applications, providing a reliable source of power in emergency situations. They're often used as a backup power source for critical systems.

In military aircraft, ram air turbines are used to power emergency systems such as lighting, communication equipment, and life support systems. This is crucial for the safety of the crew and passengers.

Ram air turbines can also be used in civilian aircraft, such as business jets and helicopters, to provide power during engine failure or other emergencies. They're a vital component of emergency power systems.

The key advantage of ram air turbines is their ability to generate power in a wide range of environmental conditions, including high altitudes and extreme temperatures.

Intriguing read: Ram Air Turbine 737

What is a Turbine?

A turbine is essentially a small auxiliary propeller that can be deployed in an aircraft in case of a power loss.

It works by generating power from the airstream passing over it as the plane flies, causing the turbine to rotate.

For more insights, see: Ram Air Turbine Schematic

Credit: youtube.com, What´s a RAT? RAM AIR TURBINE! Explained by "CAPTAIN" Joe

The turbine can be connected to a generator or a hydraulic pump, which helps to power either an aircraft's electrical or control systems.

The size of a turbine corresponds to that of the aircraft to which it is attached, with the Airbus A380 having the largest RAT among contemporary airliners, measuring 1.63 meters in diameter.

A typical RAT is around 80 centimeters wide.

Military and Emergency Use

In military aircraft, ram air turbines (RATs) are a crucial component to ensure survival in the event of a sudden and complete loss of power. They power pod-fitted systems such as the M61A1 Vulcan cannon.

The RAT is also used in free-fall nuclear weapons, like the British Yellow Sun and Red Beard, to power radar altimeters and firing circuits. This is a more reliable alternative to batteries.

Some examples of military aircraft that use RATs include the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, and Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet.

Military Use

Detailed black and white photograph of aircraft turbine engine blades showcasing engineering precision.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed black and white photograph of aircraft turbine engine blades showcasing engineering precision.

Military aircraft often rely on RATs to survive power loss. These turbines can generate power quickly, making them a vital component in emergency situations.

RATs power critical systems in military aircraft, such as the M61A1 Vulcan cannon, which is a pod-fitted system. This is a game-changer in combat situations where reliability is key.

Some free-fall nuclear weapons, like the British Yellow Sun and Red Beard, use RATs to power radar altimeters and firing circuits. This is a more reliable alternative to batteries, which can be prone to failure under extreme conditions.

Here are some examples of military aircraft that utilize RATs:

  • Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, which has a RAT with five blades
  • Lockheed F-104 Starfighter fighter-bomber, which features a RAT
  • Argus As 410 engine and RAT, used to power the actuator of the variable-pitch propeller
  • Rocket propelled Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet, which has its nose-mount RAT as its only source of electrical power

Rat Usage in Emergencies

The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a vital component in emergency situations. It's designed to supply hydraulic power and electrical power to essential systems when all else fails.

In military aircraft, RATs are common due to their ability to survive sudden and complete loss of power. They power pod-fitted systems like the M61A1 Vulcan cannon, and even free-fall nuclear weapons use RATs to power radar altimeters and firing circuits.

Two technicians working on a red HÜTTENBERG power generator outdoors.
Credit: pexels.com, Two technicians working on a red HÜTTENBERG power generator outdoors.

The RAT has saved as many as 1,700 lives across 16 documented incidents. One notable example is the "Gimli Glider" incident in 1983, where Air Canada Flight 143 ran out of fuel and the crew successfully glided the Boeing 767 to an emergency landing.

The RAT deployment can be triggered automatically in the case of dual engine failure or hydraulic low level. On the Airbus A330, the RAT supplies hydraulic pressure to the green hydraulic system, while on the A320, it supplies electrical power to essential busses.

In an emergency, the RAT will deploy and supply limited electrical power to primary instruments and critical systems. The emergency electrical generator (EMER GEN) will provide power to the primary flight display (PFD1), navigations systems (VOR1, ILS1, GPS1), and radio communication on VHF1 only.

Here's a list of notable incidents involving RAT deployment:

  • 1974: British Airways Flight 910
  • 1983: Air Canada Flight 143 (Gimli Glider)
  • 1996: The hijacking of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961
  • 2000: Hapag-Lloyd Flight 3378
  • 2001: Air Transat Flight 236 (Azores Glider)
  • 2004: Pinnacle Airlines Flight 3701
  • 2009: US Airways Flight 1549
  • 2010: Cathay Pacific Flight 780
  • 2016: Air Canada Flight 361
  • 2018: SmartLynx Estonia Flight 9001
  • 2020: Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303
  • 2022: LATAM Paraguay Flight 1325
  • 2024: Virgin Atlantic Flight 105

Civilian Use

Ram air turbines have been used in many modern commercial airliners, starting with the Vickers VC10 in the 1960s. This was because of the VC10's use of "packaged" hydraulically-powered flying controls, rather than a centralised hydraulic system.

Credit: youtube.com, When Does The Ram Air Turbine Deploy

The VC10 relied on quadruple generators and a backup RAT generator for emergency redundancy. This was a common approach in the past, but RATs have become more advanced since then.

The Airbus A380 has the largest RAT in the world, measuring 1.63 metres (64 in) in diameter. However, a typical large RAT on a commercial aircraft is usually around 80 centimetres (31 in) in diameter.

A typical large RAT can produce between 5 to 70 kW of power, depending on the generator. Smaller models may generate as little as 400 watts.

RATs have been used to power centrifugal pumps to pressurize spray systems on aircraft used as crop dusters. This is because using a RAT allows the engine and power systems to remain unmodified, which is a major safety advantage.

Here are some key characteristics of RATs on commercial aircraft:

RATs are a crucial backup system on commercial aircraft, providing emergency power in case of engine failure. They're an essential part of ensuring safe flight operations.

Airbus and Plane-Specific Information

Credit: youtube.com, Know How and When to Operate Ram Air Turbine(RAT) in Aircraft Hydraulic System- Airbus A320

The Airbus A330 and A320 both have a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) that supplies hydraulic or electrical power in case of an emergency. The RAT on the A330 supplies hydraulic pressure to the green hydraulic system, which is used to control the flight controls and emergency generator.

The RAT can be deployed manually on both the A330 and A320, but it will also deploy automatically in certain situations. On the A330, this includes dual engine failure or low hydraulic pressure in the green and yellow or green and blue systems. On the A320, it deploys automatically with the loss of both engines and an airspeed greater than 100 knots.

The RAT on the A320 supplies electrical power to the essential busses, which provide power to the equipment needed to land the aircraft. This is crucial for safe landing, and the RAT will stay deployed until the aircraft slows below 125 knots.

Airbus A330

Credit: youtube.com, Why Did Airbus Build The A330?

The Airbus A330 is a reliable and efficient aircraft, but it's not without its unique features. The A330 has a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) that supplies hydraulic pressure to the green hydraulic system.

In the case of a dual engine failure, the RAT will supply flight controls and the emergency generator. This is a crucial safety feature that ensures the aircraft remains controllable even in extreme circumstances.

The RAT can be extended manually at any time by pressing the "RAT MAN ON" pushbutton. This gives pilots a level of control over the system, but it's not necessary in most situations.

Normal hydraulic pressure on the A330 is 3000psi, but the RAT will only supply 2500psi. This reduced pressure affects the operating speeds of the aileron, elevator, and spoilers servo control.

The A330's hydraulic system is complex, but it's designed to be robust and reliable. The RAT plays a key role in maintaining this reliability, especially in emergency situations.

Airbus A320

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The Airbus A320 is a reliable aircraft, but it's not immune to emergencies. In the event of a dual engine failure or serious electrical problem, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) can be deployed to supply electrical power.

The RAT can be deployed manually, but it will also deploy automatically with the loss of both engines and an airspeed greater than 100 knots. This is a critical system that provides essential power to the aircraft.

The RAT supplies electrical power to the essential busses, including the ESS AC and ESS DC buses. These buses provide power to essential equipment needed to land the aircraft.

The pilot in the left seat becomes the pilot flying when the RAT is deployed, and all the first officer's screens are lost. The crew will have to manually fly the aircraft and prioritize securing the aircraft and establishing a safe flight path first.

The aircraft can be landed in CAT 1 weather conditions using ILS1, VOR1, and GPS1. However, the approach speed should be at least 140kts until landing is assured.

The RAT will stop supplying power to the emergency generator when the aircraft slows below 125kt. The crew will then rely on emergency electrical power from the batteries and shed busbars to save power.

Expand your knowledge: Examples of Electrical Generators

Planes with Turbines

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The Airbus A330 and A320 both have a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) that supplies hydraulic pressure to the green hydraulic system in the case of a dual engine failure.

The RAT on the A330 can be extended manually or will deploy automatically in the case of dual engine failure or low hydraulic levels in either the green and yellow, or green and blue systems.

The RAT on the A320, on the other hand, supplies electrical power to the essential busses in the event of a dual engine failure or serious electrical problem.

In both cases, the RAT plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe landing of the aircraft.

The RAT on the A330 supplies hydraulic pressure to the green hydraulic system, but at a reduced pressure of 2500psi compared to the normal pressure of 3000psi.

Here's a list of some of the planes that have a RAM Air Turbine:

  • Airbus A330
  • Airbus A320
  • Civilian aircraft used for crop-dusting
  • Military aircraft

Frequently Asked Questions

Has a Ram Air Turbine ever been used?

Yes, a Ram Air Turbine has been used in emergency situations, credited with saving over 2,400 lives in the past five decades. Its effectiveness in providing emergency power has made it a crucial component of an aircraft's emergency power system.

How much power can a Ram Air Turbine produce?

A Ram Air Turbine (RAT) can produce between 400 watts and 70 kW of power, depending on its size and generator. The power output of a RAT can vary significantly, from small models to large commercial aircraft systems.

Does the Boeing 737 have a Ram Air Turbine?

No, the Boeing 737 does not have a Ram Air Turbine. This is in contrast to the Airbus A320, which features this safety device.

What is the difference between APU and Ram Air Turbine?

An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) are both backup power sources, but the APU is a dedicated engine that kicks in during engine failure, while the RAT is a smaller turbine that deploys in emergency situations to provide limited power. The APU offers more comprehensive power, but the RAT provides an additional layer of safety in extreme circumstances.

Does the Airbus have a Ram Air Turbine?

Yes, the Airbus A380 has a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) with a diameter of up to 1.63 meters, capable of producing 5-70 kW of power.

Lulu Franklin

Writer

Lulu Franklin is a passionate writer, blogger and creative mind who loves to share her ideas with the world. Her articles are always informative, engaging and thought-provoking, covering topics ranging from lifestyle and fashion to health and wellness. With a natural flair for storytelling, Lulu's writing style is both authentic and relatable; she has a talent for making complex issues easy to understand.

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