Special Sub-Topic: U.S. Military Aircraft Parts/Systems Click Here To Play: U.S. Military Aircraft Parts/Systems

What does a stabilator do?

Provides pitch movement. The stabilator is used mostly on fighter aircraft. Instead of having a horizontal stabilizer, some of these aircraft are equipped with stabilitors, which are moving horizontal stabilizers. They provide the up and down, or pitch movement, instead of the aircraft having elevators.

Which of the following military aircraft, have a fly-by-wire flight control system?

F-16. A fly-by-wire flight control system is computer controlled, almost like Nintendo, with very little use of flight control rods and cables. This saves on the weight factor of the aircraft.

Which of the following military aircraft, had a quadricycle landing gear?

B-52. The B-52 nicknamed 'Buff', is the only one listed with a quadricycle gear. Quadricycle landing gear is set up similar to a car, where there are 4 sets of landing gear. Left front, right front, left rear, and right rear, allow this big bomber to land smoothly. The U-2 had a bicycle landing gear, the F-18 a tricycle, and the E-3 a modified tricycle.

An aircraft with an Independent Brake System means what?

That the system has a master cylinder. There are only two options with braking systems. An aircraft either has power brakes or independent brakes. The master cylinder is the deciding factor, where it provides the pressure and stores the fluid for the system. The power brake system relies on fluid and pressure from a separate major aircraft hydraulic system.

What is a EPR indicator?

Indicates the amout of thrust available. EPR stands for engine pressure ratio. This gauge (indicator) is found in fighter aircraft, and tells the pilot how much thrust is available at any given point. This is useful in dogfight situations.

How does a pilot move the aircraft's rudder?

Rudder pedals. The 2 rudder pedals are located in front of the pilot's feet. Turning of the aircraft is made with the help of the rudder pedals. Help, because other flight controls are used in conjunction with each other to make the aircraft respond to movements. The aircraft brake pedals are mounted on top of the rudder pedals.

What is uniform etch corrosion caused by?

Chemical attack. Uniform etch corrosion is caused by a number of chemical attacks. Whether it be the weather elements, leaking fluids, or deicing chemicals, it ruins the finish on the aircraft. In a car, uniform etch corrosion would be bird droppings, which eats the finish of the vehicle, and leaves an almost permanent dull spot.

What is MSOGS on an aircraft?

A breathing system. Molecular Sieve Oxygen Generation System, allows the pilot to breath engine compressor bleed air, which is outside air. The air is cooled and nitrogen-filtered, to provide a balance of oxygen and nitrogen to the pilot.

Why is liquid oxygen so hazardous to handle?

It is explosive when in contact with oils. Liquid oxygen is stored at -297 degrees! One drop will go through your hand and melt your skin together before you know what happened! Any oils or petroleum products that come in contact with liquid oxygen is highly explosive. Even a drop when it comes in contact with concrete, will have a reaction. Users must wear an entire line of protective and almost sterile clothing, as not to have any natural oils in them.

Why aren't aircraft tires and other pneumatic systems, serviced with air, and serviced with nitrogen instead?

Nitrogen won't freeze. An old myth is that nitrogen is explosive. Nitrogen is a dry filtered air. Nitrogen, having no moisture in it like air does, does not freeze at extreme temperatures (above 30,000 ft). Thus, it will not change in pressure like air does with temperature changes. It is even recommended that car tires are serviced with nitrogen, to help make the tires wear evenly throughout the different seasons of the year.