What Are Magnetos and How Are They Used in Airplanes

Magnetos are used on aircraft as a way to generate electrical current to support their combustion engines. In such engines, the magneto consists of a rotating magnet placed near a high-output coil. By using this technology, the magneto is able to convert mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy that continually feeds spark plugs. While most engines that use magnetos can rely on just one for the power they need, most modern aircraft use a dual-magneto system to best guarantee their safe and effective use in high-powered vessels. In this article, we discuss the use of magnetos on aircraft so that you can further your understanding of these crucial elements in modern aviation.

How Do Aircraft Magnetos Work?

Aircraft magnetos are devices used to generate an electrical current to be used in the ignition system. They usually consist of a coil assembly and a magnet rotor which interact with each order to generate current. The coil assembly has a primary coil which is made up of about 200 turns of heavy copper wire wound around an iron core, and a secondary coil which is a thin copper wire that is wound around the primary coil. Next to the coils is a permanent magnet which rotates when activated. As the magnet rotates, the poles of the magnetic field continually change position so that a flowing current is generated in the primary coil. This current creates a powerful magnetic field in the iron core which encapsulates the whole coil assembly.

To maintain both the magnetic field and a flow of current, the magneto is connected to a wire which transfers current into the ground. In order to create a spark, this wire is momentarily disconnected so that the electrical current is cut off, collapsing the magnetic field and generating a huge voltage spike in the secondary coil. This high voltage current then leaves the secondary coil through a high voltage tab before going to the spark plug where it creates the spark required for ignition. On even the most basic aircraft, there is more than one spark plug, with some having upwards of 36.

What is a Dual-Magneto System?

Most modern airliners use a dual-magneto system to ensure that, even if one magneto fails, the engine will remain effective until the plane can safely land. However, if one magneto fails, the engine will run a little rougher as it will only be receiving power from one source while firing half of its cylinders. Despite this reduced power, the aircraft will have enough energy to maintain flight and safely land at its destination. If both magnetos fail, the engine will shut down, and the airplane will lose all power. To avoid magneto failure, one should conduct regular inspections based on requirements and how often they fly. As with any other part in an aircraft, the magneto will need to be regularly cleaned and lubricated, and its wiring should be evaluated to make sure it can effectively transfer current.

Conclusion

The dual magneto system is a crucial tool of aircraft ignition which ensures that the engine has adequate power. For high-caliber, dependable aircraft parts like those used in dual-magneto systems, The Purchasing Hub is here to assist you with all that you require. Our vast inventory of over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find components is available to customers through our easy-to-navigate website. More than that, as an AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accredited enterprise, our parts and practices are subjected to strict quality standards that match the high expectations of our customers in the commercial, military, and private sectors. To begin the purchasing process today on any items of interest, we invite you to send us an Instant RFQ form on our website. In just 15 minutes or less of reviewing your request, a knowledgeable representative will reply with a competitive quote with time and cost savings.