Valves are components that play a crucial role in regulating the flow of liquids and gasses within countless pipelines and systems. Different types of valves are tailored for specific applications, each with unique characteristics that suit particular operational needs. In this blog, we will explore some common types on the market, including rotary valves, linear valves, ball valves, and plug valves, examining their designs and purposes in various contexts.


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In industrial settings, maintaining safe operational pressures is crucial to ensure the wellbeing of equipment and personnel alike. Two essential types of valves that serve this purpose are pressure safety valves (PSVs) and pressure relief valves (PRVs). Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct functions and operational differences, which we will explore in this blog.


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When it comes to the proper functioning of various mechanical systems, drain valves play a pivotal role in maintaining efficiency. Drain valves are used in a variety of applications, ranging in use from aircraft to industrial machinery to ensure the removal of excess fluids, preventing damage or corrosion. Choosing the right drain valve for a particular application is essential, and several factors need to be considered. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects you should keep in mind when selecting the appropriate drain valve for your specific needs.


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Jet engines are incredible pieces of engineering that power modern aircraft, allowing us to travel long distances quickly and efficiently. In order to accomplish this, they commonly rely on high-powered combustion engines, those of which often reach very high temperatures. Therefore, they can be very susceptible to overheating if not properly maintained and operated. In this blog post, we will explore some key ways to avoid jet engine overheating and ensure the safety and reliability of these powerful turbines.


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Spring plungers are a type of hardware that offers a simple and effective way of positioning parts so that they fit perfectly within an assembly. Consisting of a spring and a ball, they apply pressure to the parts with which they are used, essentially pushing the ball or nose to ensure that the adjacent part is properly positioned. To further assure a perfect fit, eccentric bushings are often employed alongside spring plungers.


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A spring is an elastic device that is capable of storing mechanical energy; when a spring is exposed to a force, it deforms while storing mechanical energy at the same time.


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Heat exchangers enable the heat from a fluid (liquid or gas) to make its way through a second fluid without the two needing to come in contact with one another. For instance, a furnace burns natural gas carried over water by pipes. If the gas and water came into direct contact, the heat exchange would cease and the water would not warm up.


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Cotter pins are a fairly common form of hardware fastener, generally being a shaped piece of metal that can be inserted into a pre-formed hole for the means of securing a component. This is often done by inserting the cotter pin into a fastener that is holding an assembly together, preventing the fastener from being removed until the cotter pin itself is removed. There are various types of cotter pins that one may use, and while each features a different design, they all still perform the same basic task of acting as a fastener. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the most common options, ensuring that you have an easier time narrowing down the right choice for your needs.


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For a typical aircraft to lift off from the ground and achieve flight, it must expend a massive amount of energy. While aircraft engines are advanced systems that harness the combustion of fuel to create thrust, the engines are not the only things aircraft have that utilize power. There are also many electronic systems and other devices, ranging from the lights that illuminate the cabin to the instruments that provide pilots with readings on flight conditions. To ensure that everything on and across the aircraft has the power needed to function as intended, most aircraft feature a special component known as an auxiliary power unit (APU). As a common fixture of many modern aircraft, it can be very useful to have a general understanding of their functionality and use.


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Landing gear is one of the most critical subsystems in aircraft. Regardless of the airplane type, almost all aircraft rely on landing gear for takeoffs and landings. It is usually designed with minimum weight and volume, high-performance characteristics, and more. More than that, it is made to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of landing impact in order to reduce the overall impact loads transmitted to the airframe.


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The aerospace sector plays a critical role in the global economy by supporting and facilitating passenger transport, trade, security and defense, logistics, and more, worldwide. While the top 5 largest aerospace companies are spearheaded by household names like Boeing and Airbus, the others that are dominating the industry in notable ways as well. With the advancements of aerospace technology and the surge in global airline traffic, there has been a major boost in the global demand of aerospace products over the last decade. As leading aerospace manufacturing companies focus on developing new and innovative products to increase their competitiveness, the aerospace industry is only expected to grow further in the near future.


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The wireless world is, in fact, not that wireless. It consists of a structured network cabling system, allowing devices to transfer information with ease. While some electronics may not require cables, cables are often preferred for signal strength, stability, and security.


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Wave springs, also called coiled wave springs, are characterized by their wavy design. When they are placed on a flat surface, they do not lie flush on the substrate. Due to their wavy design, parts of the spring protrude from the surface they are affixed to. To become familiar with these useful mechanical devices, here are somefacts about wave springs you should know.


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While screws may seem like a universally homogeneous component, there are actually several different types of screws that are used in unique applications. As the most common fastener type in the world, screws are used in nearly every industry, including manufacturing, aviation, and consumer goods, among many others. In this blog, we will discuss the most common types of screws and how they are implemented.


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Whether one is transporting large amounts of wood across long distances or is simply growing vegetables in a garden, countless materials are at risk of becoming damaged or unusable if heavy contact with water and other weather phenomena occurs. In general, this damaging water stems from rain, which is an undesirable weather condition for many activities and operations. A tarpaulin, otherwise known as a tarp, is a type of waterproof material that can be shaped and reinforced as needed, allowing one to amply protect a space, materials, equipment, or other things from heavy moisture.


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Gaskets are mechanical seals that fill clearances between two or more mating surfaces, preventing leakage into or out of an assembly. Malleable in design, gaskets are used to create tight, static seals that can withstand various operating conditions. As gaskets serve a wide range of applications, they are available in a variety of styles. That being said, this blog will cover the most common materials used for gaskets and the functions they perform.


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The goal of lighting is to brighten an area that lacks natural illumination, and lighting may be used for safety, directions, symbolism, communication, and so much more. The xenon arc lamp is a specialized gas discharge lamp capable of mimicking natural sunlight as it passes electrical currents through pressurized, ionized gas to produce illumination. Due to the type and quality of lighting that they provide, lamp xenon arc equipment is often utilized for theaters, searchlights, industrial testing, and research. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the xenon arc lamp, allowing you to better understand their common types and usage.


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When you are creating an assembly and a particular material is either stripped or too soft to accept threading, a component known as a HeliCoil serves as the perfect solution. As a type of threaded insert or bushing, a HeliCoil is a fastener component that may be inserted into a surface to establish a threaded hole. Generally, they are used in the case that a threaded hole has been stripped and needs repair, a material is too soft or thin for a durable threaded hole to be established, units of measurement need to be switched, or other various reasons. In this blog, we will discuss the design and use of HeliCoil components, allowing you to better understand their importance.


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Splines are grooves or teeth on a drive shaft that correspond with scores or indentations on another component to transmit torque. Splines are optimal in applications that require both linear and rotational motion. Various industrial processes use splines to transfer torque along complex configurations. Some of the applications that need a spline include: heavy machinery, consumer goods, and industrial applications. In this blog, we will be covering the various types of splines, their uses, and their importance.


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Hydraulic systems are widely recognized as crucial components in heavy machinery, especially aircraft. These systems are used to operate some of the most critical parts on airplanes, such as the brakes, flaps, flight control, and landing gear. In addition, hydraulics can deliver exact amounts of pressure and are more reliable than other options such as a pneumatic system. While hydraulic systems as a whole are very complex and made up of many components, one of the most important and often overlooked elements is hydraulic oil. This blog will discuss the function and different components of hydraulic oil.


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Springs are a common component of countless assemblies, serving various roles ranging from supporting loads to returning an adjustable part to its resting state. Gas springs in particular are a very specialized type, differing from standard mechanical springs that utilize elastic deformation with their use of compressed gas. This compressed gas is contained within an enclosed cylinder, and a sliding piston is used to store and exert energy through pneumatic force.


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While early aircraft were often rudimentary in design and gave little assistance to pilots throughout a flight operation, consistent developments over the years have introduced advanced technologies that greatly benefit efficiency and safety. The flight director system of an aircraft is an instrument system that contains the various electronic components and assemblies that compute and relay to the pilot the required attitude needed to follow a certain set trajectory. The flight director is often integrated within autopilot systems, and such technologies have consistently improved to increase their capabilities and reliability.


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Oscillators are a component that may come in a variety of specific types, and they are quintessential to the operation of many different electronics. Easily constructed by combining a capacitor with an inductor, oscillators are circuits that produce a continuous, repeated, and alternating waveform. For their use, these components aid in converting an undirected, alternating current without the need of an input. Within this blog, we will highlight the common types of electrical oscillators that may be found within varying electrical applications, allowing you to understand their purposes for different electrical devices.


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A surge arrester is a protective device used to limit voltage in equipment by discharging or bypassing surge current. Surge arresters prevent continued flow to follow current to ground and are capable of repairing these functions as specified by ANSI (American National Standards Institute - a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States) standards. Arresters do not absorb or stop lightning, but rather divert it, limiting the voltage and protecting the equipment it is installed next to. Surge arresters have many applications, ranging from protecting a home to an electrical substation. They can be installed on circuit breakers, in pad mounted transformers, on pole mounted transformers, and more.


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Jumpers and shunts are hardware components often found on printed circuit boards (PCBs), and they are both used to affect connections and signal routing. While having their own set roles, jumpers and shunts are often used in pairs as is seen when a shunt encloses a jumper on a PCB. To better understand how both hardware components affect the operations of a PCB, we will provide a brief overview of what each component is as well as how they function.


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A coaxial RF connector is an electrical connector designed to operate at radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. RF connectors are typically used with coaxial cables and are designed to maintain the shielding offered by the coaxial design. Some RF connectors also minimize the change in transmission line impedance at the connection to reduce signal reflection and power loss. As the frequency increases, transmission line effects become more and more important, with small impedance variations from connectors causing the signal to reflect instead of passing through. RF connectors must not allow external signals into the circuit through electromagnetic interference and capacitive pickup.


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While wireless electronics are more popular than ever, to take full advantage of the lightning fast internet available in homes and businesses, a wired network is often needed. To set up a wired network with multiple wall ports in different rooms, a centralized patch panel can offer a simple, clean, and easy-to-manage solution. Simply put, a patch panel is an array of many ports on a single panel. Using a patch cable, each port connects to another one located elsewhere in your building.


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When establishing electronic networks or devices, finding the correct interconnect solution can be difficult for one unfamiliar with such devices. Generally speaking, interconnect connectors are any hardware component that facilitates the attachment of electrical conductors or cables. With a variety of interconnect connectors available on the market, a number of applications can benefit from their use. In this blog, we will discuss interconnect connectors more in detail, allowing you to understand their functionality and types.


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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, known as NIOSH, is the United States federal agency in charge of conducting research and providing guidelines for the prevention of work-related injury or illness. It is a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIOSH, along with its sister agency OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), was established in 1970 following the signage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.


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In a pre-covid economy, masks, PPE, N95s, were words only used and seen in niche sectors. Now these words have become well known to the average person and are frequently heard and used in social conversations and on broadcast media. It goes without saying that COVID19 had forced the global community to adapt and as part of this adaptation, we are providing you with a helpful guide on N95 masks and what you need to know about them. Read below for more information.


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Magnetos that are used for ignition engines purposes are very complex, especially for those who are not working actively or frequently with them. To put it frankly and in simpler terms, an ignition magneto, or high voltage magneto, is a magneto that provides a spark-ignition motor, such as a petrol engine, with current for the ignition mechanism. It generates high voltage pulses for the spark plugs. The use of ignition magnetos is now primarily limited to motors where there is no other electrical supply available, such as lawnmowers and chainsaws. It is also commonly used in aviation piston motors, although there is an electrical supply


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When operating equipment or systems that utilize electrical currents, it is important to ensure that the electricity is unable to damage sensitive surrounding components or pose a safety risk to those utilizing such equipment or systems. To control the voltage that runs throughout an object, one can utilize electrical insulators and insulating materials. An Insulator Component is a type of material that hinders the flow of electricity, and common materials include paper, plastic, glass, rubber, and air. Within most apparatuses with conductors and electrical current, there are also insulators to provide protection and control of electricity. In this blog, we will discuss how insulators function, as well as some of the common types that are implemented within systems.


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Across electrical applications, devices such as Circuit Breakers are critical for controlling and protecting power systems. As technology continues to advance and required   increase, having protection devices in place can ensure the smooth and safe operation of electrical appliances and systems of all types. In this blog, we will discuss how circuit breakers function, and how they are designed to accommodate the loads that they govern.


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A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of fuel (usually hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (typically oxygen) into electricity via a pair of redox reactions. Fuel cells differ from other batteries in that they require a constant source of fuel and oxygen to sustain their chemical reaction, whereas batteries get chemical energy from metals and their ions and oxides. Fuel cells produce energy for as long as fuel and oxygen are present.


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With the advent of the radio, aviation navigation was quickly revolutionized. Now, aircraft could perform flight operations much more accurately and efficiently, as well as correspond with various flight controllers and operators to ensure a safe and successful voyage. While many may be familiar with radio technology in regards to communication, it may also serve as a useful Navigational guide as well. With radio transmission and reception, a pilot is capable of discerning the current bearing and direction the aircraft is moving, even in times where vision is obstructed. In this blog, we will discuss a few of the radio guide navigational systems that have been used throughout history, as well as how each may provide for safe flight.


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Miscellaneous electric loads (MELs) refer to the electric Loads in commercial and residential buildings that do not result from devices responsible for applications such as space heating, cooling, water heating, and lighting. MELs are produced by hard-wired or plug-in electrical devices such as home entertainment centers, kitchen appliances, hair dryers, hot tubs, ceiling fans, security systems, and more. Thanks to the rise of the ‘smart home’ and the increasing sophistication of home electronics, MELs are gaining in both use and importance.


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Bearings are an integral part of the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. Due to their importance and wide range of applications, bearings come in many types. Types of bearings include ball bearings, angular contact bearings, Tapered Roller Bearings, spherical roller bearings, and cylindrical roller bearings. The most common of these types is the ball bearing. This blog will provide insight into what a ball bearing is, what it does, and the many different types of ball bearings in use today.


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There are many types of aviation fuel systems that vary in size and complexity depending on the aircraft in which they are installed. The simplest fuel systems consist of a gravity feed fuel tank with the appropriate fuel lining connecting it to the engine. More modern, multi-engine passenger or cargo aircraft feature fuel systems with multiple fuel tanks on the wing, fuselage, both of these, or even the empennage. In these configurations, individual tanks are equipped with internal Fuel Pumps with valves and plumbing that guide the fuel to the engines, allow for refueling & defueling, isolate individual tanks, and even allow for fuel dumping to optimize aircraft center of gravity. Because the fuel system is such an important component for the function of any aircraft, protecting it is critical. This blog will identify some of the threats to the fuel system, how they can hurt the aircraft, and how to defend against them.


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Transformers are a very important tool in the Electrical Industry. They are used as a passive device for transferring electrical energy from one circuit to another electrical circuit. When working in the electrical power system field, you have the advantage of selecting from a long list of transformers. You can choose transformers made for distribution, transmission, power generation, instrumental and many more. For a brief outline on the types of transformers available, see below.


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The term for an airplane on the ground navigating an airstrip or runway is called taxiing. However, this term does not include the high-speed run an aircraft takes on the runway before taking off and the decelerating run just after landing. When moving on a runway, large aircraft are steered with the help of a tiller. An aircraft tiller is a steering wheel in the cockpit that works similarly to a car steering wheel but looks nothing like it. The tiller is actually a small wheel or crank that lies usually to the side of the pilot and can be operated with one hand (two hands are not required) to turn the wheels of an aircraft.


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Firefighters are one of the many important heroes of our society. They never hesitate to risk their lives to protect our loved ones, buildings, animals, and much more. When it comes to aircraft and airport fires, the firefighters that serve to protect our livelihood and belongings are the same in their dedication to others. Their differences, however, lie in their training, equipment, and procedures for how they implement fire safety. In this blog, we will discuss how firefighters work to protect the aviation world.


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Measuring the airspeed of an aircraft during flight is critical to both the safe operation of the vehicle, as well as for the wellbeing of the passengers and crew. Flying too slow can often cause an airplane to stall, especially at higher angles of critical attack. Flying too fast can also prove detrimental as it may compromise the structure of an aircraft. Whether an aircraft’s cockpit utilizes a steam gauge or is comprised of modern glass instruments, all planes utilize a pitot tube in order to measure airspeed.


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Did you know that one short round-trip flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles accounts for nearly 200 pounds of carbon emissions? Flight is unquestionably a marvel of engineering and a convenience that has connected the entire world, but it would be irresponsible to suggest it hasn’t had an effect on the environment. Just as car manufacturers have begun to make the switch to electric power, we may soon see the same trend in aviation  manufacturers as well. Pioneering aviation startups all over the world are working to eliminate the need for fuel in flight and we are now closer than ever to fully-electric aviation.


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During the airplane safety check of your most recent flight, you may have found yourself asking, “why on earth do I have to wear a seatbelt in here?" At cruising altitude, you don't have to worry about a fender bender, and planes are statistically far safer than cars. But much like a car experiences bumps on the road, a plane experiences bumps in the air. These bumps, known as turbulence, are the reason everyone from passenger to pilot is buckled in.


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The U.S. military is an organization that produces nearly $41 billion in revenue, has 8 supply chains, and 5 million items. It would make economical sense therefore, for a manufacturer of aerospace and military parts to want to do business with the U.S. military. To do business with the U.S. military however, you must obtain a Commercial and Government Entity Code obtained through the Defense Logistics Agency. Every manufacturer who does business with the military has a CAGE code,a unique 5-digit alphanumeric code. CAGE codes are free and are relatively straight-forward to acquire. Though issued by the U.S. DLA, manufacturers in other countries can be assigned a NATO Commercial and Government Entity Code (NCAGE), which are legitimate under the NATO Codification System (NCS).


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Whether you are driving a motorbike, Formula 1 car, or aircraft, one of the things that are you most reliant upon is the braking system. The basic principle of an aircraft braking system is to absorb energy from the moving system in order to slow the moving vehicle down. A key component of most braking systems is the anti-skid system. Skidding is sliding across a surface with little-to-no control. Skidding is often associated with the phrase ‘locked up’, which is in reference to the wheels of the vehicle. In most circumstances skidding in an automobile isn’t a desirable occurrence. In Formula 1 it could lose a race, on an aircraft it could result in an aircraft sliding off a runway.


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The distinction between “tailwheel” and “nosewheel” aircraft is the position of the aircraft’s landing gear on its fuselage. An aircraft with a tailwheel is designed with two main landing gear that are placed forward of the aircraft’s center of gravity, or in front of the aircraft, with a single aircraft tailwheel in the rear of the airplane to support the tail. This is different from nosewheel (also called tricycle) landing gear arrangements, where the main wheels are placed behind the center of gravity, and the aircraft nose gear supports it in the front.


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If not in flight, any pilot wishes for the aircraft to be on the ground and in the correct place. The last thing any airport worker needs is a runaway plane on the runway. Brakes stop or slow the motion of a machine. Often a machine keeps running and is only stopped from moving forward by pressing on brake pads. For example, in an automatic car, the driver must keep their foot on the brake pedal to stop the car moving forward at a red light or in traffic.


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In-flight entertainment was very different when commercial flight first became popular. For example, in 1936, the Hindenburg aircraft offered a piano, lounge, dining room, smoking room, and a bar. Shortly thereafter, airlines began offering movie projections and music during long flights. Throughout the years, amenities have become much more advanced. 


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Automatic flight controls are now considered a standard feature in general and commercial aviation. A pilot might depend on an autopilot system for a variety of tasks, such as guiding an aircraft on a programmed route, maintaining a determined altitude, or aircraft landing (currently, these systems are not employed during takeoff).


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In little over 100 years, the evolution of flight has come a long way. The Wright Brothers shocked the world by creating the first heavier-than-air aircraft capable of controlled sustained flight, despite only managing to fly for 12 seconds. In this day and age, manufacturing giants like Airbus and Boeing are shocking the world with how much they are advancing the field of aerospace. By improving the design and decreasing the weight of aircraft parts, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been able to create more efficient and aerodynamic aircraft. Since first flight was achieved in 1903, mankind has been using technological advancements to turn aerospace into an incredibly fast-paced and growing industry.


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