A Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployment on a plane refers to the emergency deployment of a small wind-powered turbine that generates hydraulic or electrical power when the aircraft loses its primary sources of power. Here is how the RAT works and when it deploys:
- The RAT is a small turbine typically stowed in the aircraft's fuselage or wing that can be deployed either manually or automatically in emergency conditions.
- It is powered by the ram air (the airstream) created by the plane's forward motion, spinning the turbine to generate power.
- It provides enough hydraulic and/or electrical power to maintain control of the aircraft's flight-critical systems such as flight controls, navigation, instrumentation, and communication during power loss.
- The RAT does not generate enough power for all systems; for instance, it may not support landing gear retraction or climbing effectively.
- It typically deploys automatically in cases such as a dual engine failure, total loss of hydraulic pressure, or loss of electrical power to certain flight instruments.
- Some planes allow manual RAT deployment by pilots if they anticipate a power emergency.
The RAT is a crucial safety device demonstrated in emergency scenarios like engine failures and total power loss, enabling pilots to retain control and safely land the aircraft despite severe system failures. In summary, RAT deployment on a plane is an emergency backup power measure involving a small turbine that spins from airflow to generate essential hydraulic and electrical power when normal power sources fail. This system ensures that vital controls and systems remain operational so pilots can manage emergencies safely. This explanation is based on recent detailed sources about RAT use and deployment in commercial aircraft like the Boeing 787 and others, including examples from crash investigations and emergency landings.
