View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
airindia787 Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Posts: 770 Location: DAB & ZTF
|
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject: Could planes be able to push themselves back? |
|
|
It's a question that's been in my mind for a long time, but would planes be able to push themselves back from a gate? would it cause too much stress on the gear or involve too much energy?
Answers appreciated. _________________ http://openflights.org/user/akumanduri |
|
Back to top |
|
|
sreenath_y Member
Joined: 27 Apr 2008 Posts: 528
|
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I didn't get your question properly. Why shud it cause gear stress?
But, planes do push themselves out of a power-in push-out gate. But thats with reverse thrust. You can't use reverse thrust near ground equipment and the terminals, the thrust can damage them. Another thing, the reverse thrust can blow all the debris from the ground, which can get sucked by the intake.
But AA and NWA do this with their MD80s. MDs have engines high above ground, hence its a bit safer.
Now with Airbus coming up with the electric powered taxi system, they should be able to power back easily. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
rutvij Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 1390 Location: Skies of Fire!
|
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
With Oil at Record Highs, Airlines like Virgin are Testing the usage of Tow tractors rite upto the Taxiway/Holding Point. Making Aircrafts Push-back would be last on a Manufacturer's Mind. Even if such thing comes through, CEOs won't use it. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
|
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 8:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yah, I watched some AA MD-80s do powerbacks at DFW once. Interesting to watch. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
saurabhm_101 Member
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 529 Location: Mumbai
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
con spirito Member
Joined: 07 Apr 2007 Posts: 577 Location: Inflight
|
Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 2:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
To be more precise turboprop or piston engine powered aircrafts can reverse easily by using negative pitch which is also used as an efficient thrust reverser after touchdown.
On the contrary, on tubojets/fans generally aircraft having engines on the rear fuselage use thrust reversers to go backwards because less chances of tipping over and FOD.
Taking reverse using engine power is called Powerback. _________________ India is one of the richest countries in the world.
The only problem is........all the wealth is distributed in the wrong hands. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
HAWK21M Member
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 8132 Location: Mumbai, INDIA
|
Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
As explained above.
The term is called "powerback'
Turboprops use the variable pitch to achieve reverse thrust.
Turbofans & turbojets use reverse thrust to powerback from gate/bay in case of no Pushback tug availability.
But its preferred for Aft mounted Engined Aircraft due to FOD & tipping chances.The life of the Engine is reduced by these actions too.
Remember stopping a powerback is by using Forward thrust & NOT by brakes.
regds
MEL _________________ Think of the Brighter side !!! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
con spirito Member
Joined: 07 Apr 2007 Posts: 577 Location: Inflight
|
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:46 am Post subject: |
|
|
The last fact was really noteworthy MEL, thanks for the interesting piece of information. _________________ India is one of the richest countries in the world.
The only problem is........all the wealth is distributed in the wrong hands. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|