RATs on 4 engined a/c
 

Reading about the A340-600 in Flight, it was noted that it had a ram air turbine, which was unusual for a 4 engine jet a/c. This surprised me.

Given that we have had two twins run out of fuel, plus one 4 engine failure that fortunately restarted (volcanic gas, but I think in this case the APU was able to run, others may correct me), does the absence of RATs on 4s surprise you?

Can't vouch for many types, but I think you will find that most big jets have RATs. The A340 current batch surely do, and I am sure the 74 and 777 do also

No RAT on the B747-400 and the APU cannot be started in the air.

Returned from Narita a few years back (A340). While taxiing out we overran just about every taxiway light between the apron and the threshold creating a thud, thud, thud through the airframe. During the take off roll the RAT unlocked message came up on the ECAM followed by full deployment in the climb. 11 hours later we arrived back at LHR with the RAT having spun at about 6000rpm all the way. The bearings must have been shagged!

regards
wizzy

Thanks for the info on the 744.

Must remember the dipstick ;)