http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0938168/L/
I've noticed them on other aircrafts including small props.
2007-05-19 17:52:55 · 12 answers · asked by MD-11 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Carbon fiber static dissipators.
When an aircraft flies, there is a little friction with the air that can ultimately set up a slightly different electrical potential than the air around it. That difference is called static electricity and can interfere with on board electronics such as radios and navigation equipment.
The idea behind the static dissipators or wicks is to allow the electrical potential built up in the aircraft to dissipate or discharge back into the atmosphere to help prevent damage to the aircarft's electrical systems and also reduce the chances of a direct lightning strike.
2007-05-19 17:57:22 · answer #1 · answered by minefinder 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Yes everyone is right static discharge probes. To simplify, when an airplane moves through the air and through clouds filled with static electricity, a static charge builds up and collects on and in the body of the plane. Those little things sticking out to the rear of the flap track flaring and the trailing age of the outer wings of the A320 act to disipate the static electric charge back into the atmosphere.
2007-05-20 02:39:59 · answer #2 · answered by ericbryce2 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what you are talking about. If the probes are behind the wing and tail everyone is right. If you are looking at the from there are a couple of things they could be. One is the static port. It helps the aircraft know its altitude and forward speed. there is a small thing on the side in front that is like a small wing that tells the computer how fast the airplanes is climbing or descending. I think you are talking about the static probe for speed and altitude
2007-05-24 17:52:07 · answer #3 · answered by videoman 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
They are static eliminators or dissipaters, a couple of other names apply as well. Static electricity flows down them and is dissipated into the atmosphere. Without them radio communication would be practically impossible.
If you know someone over 55 or 60 ask them about the static straps we used to put on cars to keep the static electricity build up from shocking us. Nothing like sliding into your car and putting a metal key into a metal socket. Some of those discharges were measured at over 50,000 volts. Almost no current but the volts would shock heII out of you.
2007-05-23 18:55:32 · answer #4 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
static discharge probe or wick. they are used to discharge the static that builds up on the airframe of aircraft. too much static will cause problems in the planes electronic.
the static forms when the air flows across the surface of the airplane.
2007-05-21 01:30:01 · answer #5 · answered by ovet81 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Those are static wicks. Used to transfer static charges from the craft to the air, to avoid a high potential build up on craft surfaces
2007-05-20 01:07:06 · answer #6 · answered by raqandre 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Ditto on the static wicks (or reducers).
If these weren't on the aiplane, the VHF antennas would be static spark machines. The radios would be extremely noisy and almost unusable.
2007-05-20 01:38:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Static dischargers
2007-05-20 05:35:11 · answer #8 · answered by strech 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
static wicks im at work right now getting ready to work on a A319 aircraft
2007-05-20 01:26:47 · answer #9 · answered by azflyboy6477 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
most of these answers are right they are static wicks and they disappate and discharge static build up
I'm on my way out to instal some on a CRJ 900 right now
2007-05-25 21:02:44 · answer #10 · answered by tgatecrasher2003 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋