The session began with the brief introduction to keypad interfacing and 8051 micro controller by one of our project guide. The actual topic of discussion began with the evolution and classification of aircraft. Evolution involved different attempts to flying by human, the initial techniques used gave rise to ornithopter, glider and many more... and finally, flyer was the first powered,sustained and controlled flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903.
Classification of aircraft
1. Based on space they operate:
The commercial planes can fly upto a maximum height of 11km and it is 35km for spy planes. Space crafts usually operate in the mesosphere and its characteristics are it can generate huge thrust, instantaneous high speed, no atmospheric support for lift and fuels like kerosene are used. Space shuttles are reusable launch system which launch like rocket and land like aircraft.
2. Based on Propulsion(the way they move forward):
-> Propelled
-> Un-propelled
Example for propelled is airplanes and for un-propelled is airships and gliders. Characteristics of un-propelled is they are driven by wind, low cost and used for weather monitoring.
3. Based on Crew:
-> Manned (airplanes)
-> Un-manned (UAV/RPV)
4. Based on Wings:
-> Fixed wing
-> Rotary wing (highly flexible and low speed)
5. Based on type of Wing: Monoplane, Biplane and Triplane
6. Based on landing mode: Sea, Land and Amphibian
7. Based on Engines: Propeller, Turbofan and Turboprop
8. Based on number of engines: Single, Twin and Multiple
9. Based on function:
-> Fighter (high maneuverability)
-> Bomber (usually two or more engines)
-> Transport (commercial planes)
Special types of planes
1. Reconnaissance(high speed), AWACS (Airborne warning and control system)
2. Microplane, Aerial refueling
3. VTO (land like helicopter), Stealth (difficult to detect by radar)
4. Aircraft carriers
Some special projects like voyager(fly around the world non stop non refueled), NPA (Nuclear Powered Aircraft), Sky car, Solo Trek XFV and talks on Bermuda Triangle was interesting.
We were shown a video of the air crash involving Avianca Flight 52. It had been put in a holding pattern for more than a hour due to fog and congestion, during this it was exhausting its reserve fuel supply. The SME discussed the various reasons that gave rise to the crash such as the usage of words such as priority over emergency or using words like "MAYDAY" thrice, the lack of communication between the ATC's at different stations and due to low fuel, engine flames out and the plane lost height and struck ground.
FMS contains ACARS( aircraft communication addressing and reporting system) which is a digital datalink system for transmission of short simple messages between aircraft and ground station. An ILS (Instrument Landing System) provides a precision guidance for an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway. It contains two independent sub-systems, one providing lateral guidance(localizer) and the other vertical guidance(glide scope) to aircraft approaching a runway. The ILS antennas present near the runway transmit two signals of 90hZ and 150hz. The localizer receiver on the aircraft measures the strength of these signals, if there is any predominance of either 90hz or 150hz it means the aircraft is off the center line and need to move left or right accordingly. Eagerly waiting for next session to learn new things.
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