Humanity is constantly striving to improve the conditions of existence. Progress in various fields constantly leads to an increase in living standards. It is enough to compare the life of some 150 years ago with modernity to understand: progress is irreversible and very good.
One of the factors accelerating progress is the improvement of vehicles, the invention of new species. Just a couple of centuries ago, few believed in the ability to move through the air in aircraft heavier than air. Today, aviation has firmly entered the life of man. Aircraft technology is used in many areas of life: cargo and passenger transportation, agriculture, research, military industry and even leisure.
The origin of aviation
At the dawn of progress in this area, it was driven mainly by enthusiasts inspired by the idea. At that time, there was little knowledge about the laws of aerodynamics, so instances with flapping wings were built. The technology of materials was also far from perfect, so the first aircraft were very unreliable. Thanks to the cinema, which allowed to make an accelerated shooting of the movement of the wings of birds, bright minds abandoned the moving wings. Research and experiments in the field of aerodynamics began. This was one of the first steps that gave a push in the right direction.
The then aircraft designers realized that the development of aircraft would be more successful if we use models of future aircraft and study the results of their airflow in wind tunnels. Thus, the scientific poking method has become much cheaper and safer.
It also became apparent that it was not possible to develop a sufficiently reliable aircraft alone. Too much heterogeneous information had to be considered in order to create truly reliable aviation equipment.
Difficulties at the initial stage of development
Another factor that was holding back progress was that the designer himself had to carry out many additional duties. It was necessary not only to make calculations, but also to design and maintain the aircraft at the development stage and in the future, to independently test the aircraft, which means it was necessary to learn how to fly. Who? At himself.
And another important factor - you had to earn money in order to provide both your living and the promotion of your dreams. In addition, often had to overcome the ridicule and mockery of envious, ill-wishers and skeptics. And this put a heavy emotional burden on the inventors.
Design Bureau
Today, when this difficult stage in the formation of the aviation industry has long been behind us, we have a clear division. There are design bureaus that receive orders from interested departments so that aviation technology can be developed. These developments are generously funded by the customer, whether it is the state or some other authority. Design bureaus have all the necessary material resources for research, calculations, modeling, manufacturing prototypes.
From calculations to tests
When a particular aircraft instance is ready, it is time to test the aircraft. Entered into the work is trained personnel - test pilots and other flying and lifting personnel, who have many years of experience flying in various weather conditions and emergency situations when a breakdown or failure of any unit occurs.
First, aircraft are tested on the ground. All operating parameters are recorded by the flight recorder and analyzed. If all parameters are within acceptable limits, the next, most crucial stage is the flight test. At this stage, in addition to flight recorders, much attention is paid to the impressions and sensations that arise with testers during test flights. Based on them, measures can be taken to finalize in those areas on which comments or suggestions will be made.
Prototypes are not the end of the process
After all this is taken into account in the design, it is time to establish the production of aviation equipment that has passed the test. The order arrives at the aircraft factory, which has the necessary equipment to complete the order. However, not one plant will be involved in the manufacture of aircraft. Dozens of factories with a narrow specialization can participate. For example, manufacturers of aircraft engines, navigation equipment, instrumentation for monitoring various systems in flight. Thousands of parts must be prepared and tested for compliance with the design parameters. This is a very crucial moment.
For example, in the manufacture of blades for jet turbines, only 3-5% of the manufactured parts will undergo technical control. The rest will be rejected and sent for re-melting. The maximum requirements are imposed on product quality. Indeed, the failure of important details can lead to disastrous consequences.
That for which they worked
But our handsome man is getting off the assembly line. Years of hard work should pay off. No one will stop at one copy. Will be released dozens, and maybe hundreds of copies of the aircraft.
The operation of aircraft will bear fruit. Now it is time to engage well-trained flight crews and ground-based personnel in this process, who will provide aviation equipment flights at many airports, airfields, radar observation and navigation stations.
The sky begins with the earth
Of course, the personnel who will perform maintenance of aviation equipment on the ground will not stand aside.
Refueling with fuel, oils, compressed air, water ... Pre-flight and post-flight equipment check for possible malfunctions ... Replacement and testing of components and assemblies that have served their useful life for possible future use ... Regular external inspection of the fuselage, wing, landing gear, engines, tail unit. .. All this requires education and training of highly qualified personnel.
For some 150 years, aviation has moved from the category of fiction and dreams to the category of high-tech industry. Millions of people are employed in this area. The time has long since ended when aviation held on to one enthusiasm. Today it is a field of research, development, testing and production, which brings great benefits to mankind.
If we compare the appearance of modern aircraft with the first samples, we will see grace and beauty, reliability and comfort. For the benefit of people, recently emerging forms of science such as biomimetics and ergonomics are working. Despite the tremendous success, aviation technology continues to develop. There is no doubt that it will remain the subject of further improvements and pride of mankind.