What’s the Deal When Your Plane Loses Power? Meet the RAT
Aircraft safety is a major concern in the aviation industry, especially with recent issues like Boeing’s aircraft door seals. But what happens if the power on your plane goes out? Luckily, there is a small and ingenious fan called the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) that can save the day.
The RAT is a small wind turbine that deploys in case of an emergency power loss on an aircraft. It generates power from the airflow passing over it as the aircraft flies, spinning the turbine and providing energy to the electrical or control systems of the plane. These devices are typically located in compartments in the wings or fuselage and the amount of power generated depends on the speed of the aircraft.
One notable example of the RAT in action was on a flight that ran out of fuel in 1983. The RAT kept the hydraulic pumps running, allowing the crew to safely glide the plane back to Earth. This crucial backup power supply has saved countless lives over the years.
Have you heard of the RAT or other interesting safety measures on aircraft? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
