Question 1

What is an aircraft generator?

Accepted Answer

An aircraft generator is a major component of an aircraft's electrical system. It generates electrical power through mechanical function that is utilized to operate essential functions and supply power to various systems within an aircraft.

Question 2

What is the difference between an aircraft generator and an alternator?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft generators are typically larger and more robust than alternators. They often have special cooling systems and ruggedized components to ensure reliability in flight. Alternators are generally smaller and less ruggedly constructed than aircraft generators.

Question 3

What is the most common generator used in aircraft?

Accepted Answer

The most common type of generator used in aircraft is the "engine-driven generator." Engine-driven generators provide electrical power when aircraft engines are running. These generators are widely used in various types of aircraft, from small general aviation planes to large commercial airliners.

Question 4

What are the three types of generator aircraft?

Accepted Answer

The three common types of aircraft generators are the following: 
Engine-driven generators are most common and are mechanically driven by the engine, responsible for supplying electricity to various aircraft systems, including avionics, lighting, and other electrical components. During standard light operations, engine-driven generators offer a reliable and steady power supply.
Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) are additional onboard units that generate electrical power and other electrical services when the main engines are not in use for propulsion. APUs often have generators or alternators to produce electricity. 
Ram air turbines (RATs) are a type of emergency power generation system found on some aircrafts. A RAT is a small wind-driven turbine that extends into the airstream to generate electrical power. It is an essential backup power source that can provide electricity to critical flight systems, including essential instruments and control surfaces.

Question 5

How does an aircraft generator work?

Accepted Answer

An aircraft generator functions by transforming mechanical energy from the aircraft's engines into electrical energy. When aircraft engines rotate, the generator moves at high speeds, making a rotor inside the generator spin. That spinning creates a changing magnetic field that induces a flow of electrons of wire located within the generator. This produces alternating current (AC) electricity.

Question 6

How much power does an aircraft generator produce?

Accepted Answer

Generally, aircraft generators are designed to meet the electrical demands of the systems, while also providing some extra capacity for any additional electrical surges. There are several factors that can influence how much power an aircraft generator produces. This includes: 
The type of aircraft 
Specific generator design 
Any electrical power needs 
Generator power output can range from 1 to hundreds of kilowatts depending on aircraft size. Many aircraft have more than one generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Question 7

How many generators does an aircraft have?

Accepted Answer

Typical commercial aircraft models have two or more generators. Smaller aircraft models may have only one single engine-driven generator, while larger commercial models typically have at least two or more (along with APUs). The specific number and arrangement of generators are determined by the aircraft manufacturer to meet the aircraft's electrical power requirements and ensure redundancy in critical systems.

Overall, the number of generators present in an aircraft can significantly differ based on aircraft size, complexity, and intended use.

Question 8

How many generators does a plane have?

Accepted Answer

Mostly all aircraft planes, small or large, are equipped with at least one generator powered by an engine. The number of generators a plane has installed can vary depending on size, complexity, and design of the aircraft.

Many smaller single-engine planes often have only a single-engine-driven generator. 
Larger general aviation aircraft and regional commuter planes frequently have two engine-driven generators, one for each engine, to ensure redundancy.
Large commercial airliners typically have two or more engine-driven generators, with two being the most common setup. Some aircraft may also have auxiliary power units (APUs) with their own generators for ground operations and backup power.

Question 9

What are the different types of aircraft generators?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft generators come in various types, each tailored to specific aviation needs.

Engine-driven generators, the most prevalent type, are directly linked to an aircraft's engines and supply electricity during flight, powering essential systems and avionics.

Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generators are found in larger aircraft and are part of APUs, providing electrical power when the main engines are not operatfional, notably during ground operations and as a backup.

Ram Air Turbine (RAT) generators serve as emergency power sources, deploying during total power loss scenarios, and they come with their generators that harness wind energy.

The choice of generator type depends on the aircraft's size, purpose, and electrical power requirements. Redundancy is a critical consideration in aviation, so many aircraft have multiple generators to ensure a continuous and reliable power supply, even if one generator fails.

Aircraft Generators & Starter Generators