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.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based radio navigation system that is used to determine the ground position of an object. Information derived from GPS can be utilized to craft accurate surveys and maps, take precise time measurements, and track position or location. Since its initial launch in 1978, the market for GPS devices has transformed, offering users handheld GPS options found in tablets, cellular phones, and more. In this blog, we will cover how to choose the right GPS device for your applications.

Determining one's altitude has been a critical part of flying since aviators first took to the skies. As such, the barometric altimeter has been long employed to give pilots an accurate measurement of the current height they are flying at. Its invention allowed aircraft to fly in conditions with less visibility while still providing a precise altitude. As aviation instrument technology advanced, the radar altimeter has become commonplace on many modern aircraft. It works with the barometric altimeter to provide pilots a more accurate representation of their altitude. In this blog, we will discuss the history, function, and application of radar altimeters.

An audio transformer is an electrical device that modifies and filters an electromagnetic signal as it passes between two circuits. While their implementation is widespread, audio transformers are most commonly used in audio circuitry. This blog will discuss the basics of how audio transformers work, how they are classified, and their typical applications.

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.

When lifting heavy items with the use of rigging equipment, the winch is a crucial part that consists of a rope, chain, or cable that is wound around a drum. With the use of a motor or crank, the winch may be turned for the means of lifting or hoisting objects with less power that would normally be needed for a certain weight. As technology that has been steadily relied on since ancient times, having an understanding of how winches and their related equipment may be used is crucial for any major lifting operation.

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.