NSN Sourcing Blog

Whether propeller assemblies are present on aircraft or marine vessels, such assemblies serve to convert engine power into thrust. For aircraft in particular, engine power is transferred to the propeller blade assembly through a rotating shaft, allowing for a large mass of air to have its velocity increased as the propeller twists through the atmosphere. For a propeller to optimally serve an aircraft and produce ample thrust, it must act with high efficiency to mitigate the amount of power loss between the engine and blades. In this blog, we will discuss the common factors that have an effect on propeller efficiency, and how it can be bolstered for reliability.

In the maritime and aviation industries, there are countless applications for hoses and lines that are used daily. The fuel, hydraulic, and electric lines that serve marine vessels and aircraft can vary in length and width, but they all share one feature: they must be stored safely. This blog will discuss the different types of hose reels which have long been used to safely and efficiently store hoses and cables.

A piston engine is a powerful apparatus, capable of harnessing the pressure of combusted fuel-and-air mixtures to generate a rotational movement. In order for proper combustion and operations, piston engines require minimal loss, efficient heat transfer, and much more. With a metallic split ring known as a piston ring, the gaps between the piston and the cylinder wall may be sealed for the protection of the engine assembly and its performance. There are also multiple types of piston rings, each of which may be implemented in varying areas of the assembly to provide different functions.

While marine vessels are less constricted in their range of operation as compared to other forms of travel such as automobiles, there are still plenty of rules and guidelines that should be followed to maintain safe operations on the open water. Similar to the traffic lights and stops that dictate how we drive, buoys, beacons, and lights are the primary navigation tools that assist vessels in their operations. Such items can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, many having distinct meanings that can be very useful for proper navigation. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the buoys, beacons, and lights that serve marine navigation, allowing you to better understand how to conduct safe operations on the open water.

Cowlings are removable covers that are used for aircraft engines in order to reduce drag and increase cooling for temperature control. Despite their importance for the overall performance of the aircraft, cowlings are often structures that are not given the attention they deserve. When one needs to install a cowling on their aircraft for a repair or for the first time, it is crucial that the cover is shaped to the installation or adjusted to optimally fit. As such, proper cowling installation should always be carried out.

When piloting an aircraft, the altimeter is an indispensable instrument for safe and efficient operations. Altimeters are used to determine the altitude of an aircraft in comparison to sea level. In order to garner such readings, the instrument relies on various parts and components that allow it to measure pressure. As altimeter readings are consistently used for flight planning, flight operations, and may require fixes for errors, understanding how the altimeter functions is crucial for any pilot.

Even the most responsible and frugal aircraft owners understand that owning an aircraft will never be inexpensive. Despite this, there are many steps you can take to minimize the need for expensive repairs, especially with your propeller. Regular inspection and preventative maintenance will not only increase the service life of your propeller, but also save a significant amount of money over time. This blog will cover five things you can do to protect your propeller and extend its operational life.

The marine diesel engine is an advanced apparatus, allowing for the combustion powered operation of vessels on water. Generally, a marine engine may either be inboard or outboard, meaning that the engine may be implemented within the hull of a boat or mounted upon the hull itself. Regardless of which type of diesel engine is present on a marine vessel, many share the same components and systems that allow them to operate efficiently.

Just like an aircraft, automobile, or any other vehicle, a boat will inevitably need repairs after certain intervals. Repairs will usually require the ship to dock, but depending on the severity of the repairs, they can also be done at sea assuming a support vessel has the necessary equipment, parts, and repairmen capable of carrying out the task. There are three categories of marine repair: electrical and mechanical repairs, marine engine repairs, and emergency response repairs. This blog will explain each type and what they entail.

Whether there is the unveiling of new gadgets, different airplane models, or flying vehicles, the world is excited and enthusiastic about the eventual fate of flying, which is the reason so many eyes are intently following the advancement of the E-Fan, the main airplane fueled by electrical power. A two-seat trial airplane, created via Airbus Group and accomplices, the E-Fan is the primarily 100% electrical airplane. With its first flight early this year, in half a month time it will be uncovered which company will be manufacturing the airplane.