Systems

Question 1

Describe the function of an engine driven generator

Answer 1

Engine driven generators are used to supply electrical power to aircraft systems

On some aircraft the generator may be used as a starter motor

Question 2

Describe the function of the electrical systems

Answer 2

Electrical systems provide power to the flight critical and mission systems

Question 3

What is an electrical ‘bus’

Answer 3

An independent electrical system for redundancy

Flight essential bus - flight control and power
Standby bus - typically battery backup for flight instruments
Mission bus - to power mission equipment

Question 4

Describe the functions of hydraulic pumps

Answer 4

Hydraulic pumps supply hydraulic pressure to aircraft systems.

Question 5

What systems use hydraulic pressure

Answer 5

Flight controls
Flaps
Landing gear and nose wheel steering & brakes
Autopilot
Weapon bay doors

Question 6

Describe the function of bleed air systems

Answer 6

Compressed air bled off of the aircraft engines or APU

Question 7

What is bleed air used for

Answer 7

Engine starting
Air-conditioning
Wing de-icing
Engine anti-ice
Weapons bay heating

Question 8

Describe the functions of environmental control systems

Answer 8

ECS pumps air into the cabin to regulate cabin pressure levels.

Question 9

What is a PACK, what is it used for, and how does it work

Answer 9

Pneumatic air conditioning kit
Provides pressurised, temperature controlled air to the cabin
Run from bleed air

Question 10

Describe the functions of fire warning systems

Answer 10

Fire warning and suppression systems are designed to detect and respond to fires in critical areas such as engines, APU and cargo compartments
Smoke and heat detectors alert the crew through cokpit and cabin warnings if fire or overheating is detected
Fire suppression systems are used to extinguish fires remotely

Question 11

Desbribe the functions of supplemental oxygen systems

Answer 11

Emergency onboard oxygen systems provide immediate access to supplemental oxygen for pilots and passengers in the event of cabin depressurisation or other emergencies.

They can be a mix of fitted and portable oxygen sets, and oxygen flow can be adjusted based on altitude and emergency

Question 12

Describe and explain what OBIGGS is

Answer 12

On Board Inert Gas Generation System
Used in the aircraft to generate inert gas from the cabin air to reduce the risk of fuel tank explosions by displacing flammable vapours with inert gases during flight.

Question 13

How does OBIGGS work

Answer 13

Draws in ambient air, filters it, then creates nitrogen-rich inert gas, then pumps it into the fuel tanks. This minimises their potential for combustion and enhance overall aircraft safety

Question 14

Describe the function of pneumatic power systems

Answer 14

On board pneumatic power systems operate in a similar way to hydraulic systems, but use compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid

Question 15

List systems that are pneumatic powered

Answer 15

Brakes
Doors
Launching weapons on P-8
Launching sonobuoys on P-8