Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: Skyguns MKII on November 13, 2013, 05:36:07 PM

Title: what is the purpose of a vacuum pump on a aircraft engine?
Post by: Skyguns MKII on November 13, 2013, 05:36:07 PM

Just a quick question to all of you so I can better understand its function and purpose for aviation use. We only went over it briefly in my AP tech. class and curiosity has taken me over once again.   :P

Title: Re: what is the purpose of a vacuum pump on a aircraft engine?
Post by: colmbo on November 13, 2013, 05:45:05 PM

It provides suction to power the vacuum instruments:  Artificial Horizon, Directional Gyro, Turn and Bank (Needle/Ball).  Those can all be electrically powered as well.  Normally if the AH is suction then the Turn and Bank is electric -- for the sake of redundancy.

Title: Re: what is the purpose of a vacuum pump on a aircraft engine?
Post by: Skyguns MKII on November 13, 2013, 06:14:31 PM

Quote from: colmbo on November 13, 2013, 05:45:05 PM

It provides suction to power the vacuum instruments:  Artificial Horizon, Directional Gyro, Turn and Bank (Needle/Ball).  Those can all be electrically powered as well.  Normally if the AH is suction then the Turn and Bank is electric -- for the sake of redundancy.

thank you sir I can now sleep in peace!

Title: Re: what is the purpose of a vacuum pump on a aircraft engine?
Post by: J.A.W. on November 13, 2013, 09:10:50 PM

Vacuum pumps are also utilized on race-mill crankcases to pull out air volume/reduce power-sapping air churning/improve ring seal..