Ram Air Turbine (RAT)

Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is an auxiliary power unit that activates during emergency situations on aircraft to generate electricity.

^{Ram Air Turbine (}Cdnreport⁾

Under normal conditions, the electricity required by the aircraft is generated by the engines. However, in the event that both engines fail simultaneously, the Ram Air Turbine fulfills this function at a basic level. The RAT generates power from the airflow, which is dependent on the aircraft’s speed, and is connected to either an electrical generator or a hydraulic pump. In some aircraft it is located within the fuselage, while in others it is mounted on the wing. It is activated automatically or manually by the pilots during emergencies, providing power to systems essential for maintaining basic flight functions.

In general, modern aircraft use the RAT only during emergencies: in the event of hydraulic system failure or loss of primary power sources. In such cases, the RAT supplies power to critical systems such as flight controls and vital instrumentation, navigation, and communication equipment.

^{Ram Air Turbine (}Prd⁾