Purchasing Synergy Blog

For an aircraft to optimally and safely fly, it must rely on its various systems and flight surfaces for the means of properly manipulating airflow to maintain lift and a desired attitude. While the engines provide power for thrust and wings create significant lift, they are not the only important elements for flight. Strakes are an often overshadowed flight surface found on fixed-wing aircraft, and typically are featured on the fuselage for managing airflow or establishing a simple stabilizing effect. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of strake aircraft components and their use, allowing you to better understand their importance for standard operations.

Curious about ATA codes? In this article, we will cover information frequently asked about ATA codes and ATA chapters, and why they are standard for commercial aviation applications. 

Tires are integral components of an aircraft’s landing system. Preventing airplanes from landing directly on their bellies, tires are equipped to withstand the weight of the aircraft and the friction it creates on the runway. While some aircraft have four or six tires, others may contain up to 10 tires, depending on the size of the aircraft.

When compared to other connector options, the key differentiating factor in blind mate connectors is their mating action. In most electronic assemblies where the connector components cannot be seen or felt, there may be a risk of conducting unsafe or incorrect mating attempts. This is where blind mate connectors come into play. These connectors allow perfect mating to happen when there are sight and touch restrictions.

A backplane connector is a system of circuits that acts as a connector between the various modules present on a routing or switching device. Also referred to as a backplane board, or backplane, a backplane connector is a circuit that is used as a support structure to connect other PCBs. Backplanes add stability and mechanical strength to other integrated system components like daughterboards.

Electromechanical switches are devices used to make, break, or change the route of current flow in circuits. Available at low price points, electromechanical switches come in a variety of types, sizes, and current switching capabilities. Reliable and durable in terms of performance, electromechanical switches are considered simple human-to-machine interfaces (HMIs).

An IDG, more formally known as an Integrated Drive Generator, is a type of power system commonly implemented within aircraft for the means of governing all engine hydraulic systems. In general, such assemblies consist of a single housing which contains a Constant Speed Drive (CSD) and an AC generator mounted in parallel. With the controlled differential capabilities of the CSD, a consistent output speed can be maintained for driving the AC generator. With this process, many key components of the aircraft are provided the energy necessary for their functionality. As a result, it is crucial that operators maintain their IDG for optimal flight operations.

Electricity is a useful, but dangerous source of energy if not handled safely, presenting the risk of appliance damage, electrical fires, physical harm, and more. As a result, much care is put into the design of electrical systems and the various components that are used to transport electricity. Electrical fuses are standard safety devices found in numerous assemblies and applications, serving as sacrificial devices that guard appliances and circuits from electrical overload conditions. Electronic fuses, or eFuses, are a specialized IC fuse type, capable of replacing conventional variations due to their capabilities. With more rapid and accurate intervention, and the ability to continue functioning without replacement, such parts can be extremely advantageous for numerous uses.

While there are many bearing options available, roller-element bearings should be considered whenever high radial loads are present in a rotational system. Ultimately designed to reduce friction while facilitating motion in a particular direction, roller-element bearings employ cylindrical rollers to assist machinery with their individual load requirements, modes of operation, as well as aim to minimize the impact of forces exerted on mechanical equipment within an assembly. Further improving part flexibility, roller bearings come in four common types, each of which supports different load demands depending on the shape of the rollers used. Consisting of cylindrical, needle, tapered, and spherical roller bearings, we will go into detail on how these parts work to better assist you with your part procurement needs.

A ball bearing is a common form of rolling-element bearing, featuring balls placed between races to maintain separation. With the use of such products, rotational friction between moving surfaces can be mitigated while axial and radial loads are supported. With the use of ball bearing cages, also known as retainers, the bearings may be held together while balls are separated from one another. Coming in numerous types, such bearing elements are crucial for standard operations and may act as a reservoir or supplier of oils for lubrication. In this blog, we will discuss ball bearing cages and retainers, allowing you to better understand their functionality and common types.