When we think of aircraft technology, we often think of powerful jet engines, fancy wings, and complicated avionics. But one of the most vital (and least appreciated) systems on any airplane is an airplane’s braking system especially during landing, when stopping a 200-ton airplane traveling at 280 km/h is no easy feat. Incredibly, the material…
Category: #DidYouKnow
Did You Know? Why Have Aircraft Materials Evolved Over Time?
The aerospace industry is continually seeking lighter, stronger, and more efficient planes. As a result, materials used to construct aircraft have advanced significantly. From aluminum to high-end composites, and now 3D-printed components, the history of material development is one of performance, sustainability, and engineering brilliance. From Aluminum to Composites: Why the Shift? Aluminum has been…
Understanding Satellite Orbits and Gravity
People usually think of satellites floating through space while the actual situation reveals that satellites continuously move toward Earth. Satellites stay in orbit because gravity creates an equilibrium with their velocity. How Satellites Stay in Orbit The two fundamental forces which maintain satellites in space can be explained as follows: The gravitational force of Earth…
Did You Know? Jet Engines That Whisper While Shattering the Sound Barrier
Did you know that some of the fastest engines ever created don’t roar like jet engines or rumble like rockets? They’re nearly silent. Scramjets, short for supersonic combustion ramjets, represent one of the most groundbreaking advancements in aerospace technology. Capable of reaching speeds well above Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), scramjets are…
Did you know? Orbital launches in Europe
Recently, on July 9th, 2024, at 21:00 CEST, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Europe’s newest rocket, Ariane 6 from Kourou in French Guyana. Interestingly, the official spaceport for ESA’s launches is not in continental Europe but in South America, close to the equator. However, did you know there are also rocket launching sites in the old continent?
Did you know: The downfall of low-cost carriers
Over the past few decades, low-cost carriers (LCCs) have revolutionized the airline industry, democratizing air travel and enabling millions of passengers to fly at affordable prices. However, recent trends indicate a troubling downturn for these budget airlines, raising questions about the sustainability of their business model. Low-cost carriers emerged in the 1970s, with Southwest Airlines in…
Did You Know? How the Coriolis Force Shapes Your Flight Path
Introduction Have you ever noticed your flight pathway on the in-flight screen and were curious why it appears to bend so much, particularly on long-haul flights? It may appear to be a diversion, but there is a fascinating explanation using a physics principle known as the Coriolis force. Let’s look at how this force affects…
Did you know? K2-18b
Probably you have already heard of the exoplanet “K2-18b” since we briefly introduced it in the article about the James Webb Telescope. However, did you know this exoplanet is so special because it has shown hints of life?
Dragon in the sky: China’s COMAC C919
Nowadays, the two main aircraft manufacturers are based in US (Boeing) and EU (Airbus). However, we might soon see a new silhouette in the sky. In recent years, China has emerged as a formidable player in the global aviation industry, with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) making significant strides in aircraft development. One…
Did you know, A brief dissertation on weird aeronautical experiments
My malicious mind was thinking of how much the human race has to thank experimentation due to the things we have learned from it. Even in the most questionable, anti-ethical experiments, there was always something new to comprehend. For instance, everything we know about pneumonia and hypothermia is thanks to the tortures made in Japanese…