RAT Life
 

To any Global Express engineers out there - very quick question...is the RAT lifed and if so what are the parameters?

Ta very much! :ok:

42 ;)
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Reminds me of an ADD we had placed on the RAT on one type I flew once after the voltage regulators were declared suspect. It said "Emergency use only!"

So at what other times are you going to use the RAT? And if you have to, I suspect you will only use it for as long as it takes to land at the nearest suitable airfield.

And I hope that afterwards, it would be subject to some sort of engineering action!

Depends on what the RAT drives.
On the L1011, is supplies hydraulic pressure/flow, and as I recall, there is no limit on its use.
Of course, if it is used, it needs to be properly stowed later on as it is a drag item.
No 'special' inspection as I recall after use, just a new squib fitted.
During heavy maintenance checks it is, of course, inspected.

Only used it once...worked just as designed.

They are time tested, never heard of a lifespan on them.

Some of the RATs fitted to Airbus types have a life l believe.
It is a 20 year overhaul requirement.

Do tell Master 411.

Enroute LHR - VIE, all three engine generators tripped off*.
When this occurs, all three N3 gauges very briefly decrease below 51% (unless a service bulletin has been completed, to prevent this power interruption), thus sending a signal to the RAT that all engines have flamed out, and therefore the RAT would be needed to supply hydraulic system B with pressure/flow.
Only applicable with those aircraft equipped with -22B engines.

In this instance, the RAT was left extended until RTB, where it was restowed with a new squib.

*Reason for engine generator problems....a fat fingered Flight Engineer.:ugh:

411A

The RAT cannot be retracted on the L1011?

GF

The short answer is no it isn't. The TLMC & MPD only detail a 24 Month Op Test.

Answered here...

Come on chaps. Get a grip. Restowed and retracted are two different things. Can any RAT be 'retracted'. I think GF is about to tell us - yes.

Thanks 411A. I was expecting a bit more drama than that.

That FE must have had some fairly large paws in order to trip all three generators.

Thanks
 

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback...

Correct and the while the L-1011 RAT is not a "life limited part" the squib that allows for RAT extenstion has a "life limit" of 12 years.

The L-1011 RAT must be stowed manually, on the ground.