Aerospace Technology

Newton's 3rd Law of Motion states that, For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." This video uses model rocketry to explore this concept, and introduces the basics of rocket propulsion and the forces that affect rockets in flight (thrust, gravity, and drag). A demonstration of the use of both solid fuel and compressed air rockets is shown, while colorful graphics illustrate key concepts and terms. It's a great way to generate interest in the field of aerospace technology! A Shopware Production. One 14-minute video."

Regularly scheduled space shuttle missions have become a common feature of the NASA space program, allowing astronauts to launch and retrieve communication satellites, repair exploration equipment such as the Hubble telescope, and conduct numerous experiments. This video follows NASA officials through the development stages of the reusable shuttle fleet and outlines testing procedures used to ready the shuttle Columbia for its first in-space flight. Subsequent missions are outlined along with commentary from crew members detailing satellite rendezvous attempts, conducting of experiments, and daily living conditions. It provides an interesting look at our continuing quest to explore and understand space. A Shopware Production. One 45-minute video.

Above the surface of the earth, two other forms of transportation occur: air and space transportation. Viewers explore the history of air and space travel as well as the components that make this type of transportation effective. Air transportation has connected our modern world to other nations, making long-distance travel fast and easily accessible to everyone. This video also discusses air highways and hub airports. Viewers also learn about the newest form of transportation technology, space transportation. Current space transportation has two main thrusts: an unmanned program of deep space exploration, and manned space exploration including the space shuttle program. Many benefits have occurred because of space transportation, including modern satellite techniques. Viewers are also encouraged to explore future career opportunities. (17 min.) A Meridian Production.

In this program, construction of the port-side vertical fin of a Rutan Long-EZ homebuilt aircraft continues. After describing in detail the properties of fiberglass cloth and epoxy, Burt Rutan and Mike Melvill demonstrate how to join foam blocks and apply fiberglass to a foam form. They then laminate the first fiberglass skin onto the PVC foam wing structure that was cut, joined, and shaped in Composite Material Construction, Part 1. A Shopware Production. (36 minutes)

In this program, construction of the port-side vertical fin of a Rutan Long-EZ homebuilt aircraft, begun in Composite Material Construction, Part 2, is completed as Burt Rutan and Mike Melvill finish the fiberglass skinning process. In addition, they show how to carry out three specialized layups-a shear web, a spar cap, and an interior corner joint-and perform a thorough cleanup of all tools and work surfaces. A Shopware Production. (37 minutes)

Beginning with a history of humankind's quest for flight, this video then introduces the basic components of an airplane. It also examines how an aircraft flies, the four forces that affect flight, types of propulsion units, and the instruments used to create movement. It's an interesting introduction to the basics of aeronautics technology. One 22-minute video. A Shopware Production.

This two-part series introduces the aeronautic principles of lift, gravity, thrust, and drag. A Shopware Production.

In order to be a competent pilot, one must develop a thorough understanding of how and why a plane flies, as well as the forces that affect the flight of an aircraft. This video gives viewers just that. It outlines the forces of Lift and Gravity on an aircraft and goes on to describe how different structures on the plane are used to control these forces. Experts on aeronautics and flight give exciting commentary on their area of expertise. A Shopware Production. One 29-minute video.

This second video in the Principles of Flight series focuses on the forces of Thrust and Drag and how each can affect flight. Viewers then learn how pilots manuever through these forces using primary and secondary instruments which create movement around the three axes of flight. Key terms such as wing tip vortices, pitch, yaw, and roll are explained in detail, giving a clearer understanding of the mysteries of flight. A Shopware Production. One 29-minute video.

Mastery of how the concepts of weight and balance relate to an airplane are absolutely essential to safe flight. In this program, a flying instructor explains how to answer two crucial preflight questions: is the airplane's weight within the manufacturer's maximum allowable gross weight, and is the actual center of gravity within the manufacturer's allowable center of gravity range. The computational calculation method is applied to several hypothetical situations of the type to be found on an FAA exam. A Shopware Production. (29 minutes)